United States Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee appeared on Varney & Co. on Fox Business on April 15 to discuss ongoing negotiations with Iran, recent market reactions to Middle East developments, and the status of Department of Homeland Security funding.
Hagerty said that the United States should remain cautious in its dealings with Iran. “We’ve never been able to believe a word they’ve said. This has been going on for decades, and they’ve consistently lied. They’ve consistently misrepresented their position,” Hagerty said during the interview. He added that current U.S. policy is different from previous administrations: “This administration is not going to cave. The red lines are real. They will not have nuclear capability, and we’re going to make certain that that’s the case.” He also warned Iranian leaders about underestimating U.S. resolve.
Discussing financial markets and leverage over Iran, Hagerty said he believes investors are reacting positively because “they see this administration, the Trump administration, standing strong, standing firm.” He noted that sanctions and blockades could have significant effects: “This blockade is going to have dramatic results on the Iranian economy. I think the Iranians need to wake up and see where this is headed.”
On Department of Homeland Security funding negotiations in Congress, Hagerty criticized Democrats for past government shutdowns affecting DHS workers: “It’s just a shame that Chuck Schumer and the Democrats are willing to hold them, their families, and their livelihoods as hostages for sheer politics.” He explained Republican plans: “What we’re going to do is focus on a reconciliation package that is going to get these departments funded…for the duration of Trump’s administration.”
Hagerty was elected as U.S. Senator from Tennessee according to his official website. He serves on Senate committees including Appropriations; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Foreign Relations; and Rules and Administration according to his official website. His background includes serving as U.S. Ambassador to Japan according to his official website.
Hagerty hails from Sumner County in Tennessee where he earned Eagle Scout rank according to his official website, volunteers with civic organizations according to his official website, maintains offices across several locations in Tennessee including Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Jackson and Tri-Cities area according to his official website.
Looking ahead at legislative priorities related both foreign policy issues like Iran negotiations as well as domestic security funding debates remains central for Hagerty’s work.