Rep. Patrick Murphy (D., Fla.) is coming under fire from fellow Democrats for coming out in favor of the Iran deal in order to promote "peace in our time," a reference to former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s famous remarks about the Munich agreement.
"This has been the toughest decision of my time in Congress," Murphy said in a statement this week. "This debate has proven to me that America and Israel are fortunate to have so many passionate, diverse voices who all want the same things: a nuclear-free Iran, a secure Israel, and peace in our time. In the interest of all three, I will be supporting this deal and voting against a Resolution of Disapproval in September."
Murphy, who is locked in a battle for an open Senate seat with firebrand Rep. Alan Grayson (D., Fla.), came under intense criticism for his reference to Chamberlain’s quote.
"Patrick Murphy’s rationale for supporting the Iran nuclear deal reveals a dangerous naiveté and a stunning ignorance of recent history. Perhaps the next time young Patrick wants to express himself on an issue of critical international security, he should avoid references to one of the greatest diplomatic blunders in history." Ian Prior, communications director for American Crossroads, said in a statement.
Murphy also said he was motivated to support the deal due to the fallout from the Iraq war.
"I was 20 years old when we went to war in Iraq, and as the casualties mounted in that unnecessary and costly war—eventually to over 4,000 brave American soldiers—I woke up to the horrible reality of war and the consequences of the decisions Congress makes," he said in the statement. "The tragedy of the war in Iraq set me on the path to run for Congress to do my part to ensure such an avoidable war never happened again."