WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet on Friday became the latest senator to publicly declare his support for the White House nuclear deal with Iran — ending weeks of speculation on how he would vote on the controversial agreement.

As part of his declaration, the Colorado lawmaker and former Democratic campaign chief also unveiled a new legislative proposal that Bennet says will strengthen the deal while steering more money to Israel for its national defense.

"Our primary objectives are to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon, make sure Israel is safe and, if possible, avoid another war in the Middle East," said Bennet in a statement that was released first to The Denver Post. "This agreement represents a flawed, but important step to accomplish those goals."