Schumer, who said in a statement that he made his decision “after deep study, careful thought, and considerable soul-searching”, is the first Senate Democrat to step forward to oppose the deal.
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“There are some who believe that I can force my colleagues to vote my way”, Mr. Schumer said. The deal would limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing of economic sanctions.
“After fifteen years of relief from sanctions, Iran would be stronger financially and better able to advance a robust nuclear program”, Schumer claimed. The White House says the deal would cut off all of Iran’s pathways to a bomb and mandate robust inspections that would catch Tehran if it cheats.
In a five-page statement explaining his concerns, Schumer said the inspections regime was inadequate. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) did the same Thursday afternoon.
“I strongly believe the world could and should have a better deal than that set forth in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which I will therefore oppose”, said Rep. Grace Meng, a Democrat who represents parts of Queens.
Still, opposition from the third-ranking Senate Democrat – and the Senate Democratic leader-in-waiting in the next Congress – comes as little surprise.
A handful of House Democrats in addition to Engel have said they oppose the deal, including Representative Steve Israel, a member of the chamber’s Democratic leadership. But it follows announcements from several Senate Democrats that they would support the deal, including independent Sen.
“Anybody whipping has never put Schumer in the “yes” column”, Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who’s working with Pelosi to rally support, told The New York Times.
If Iran were to violate its commitments under the deal, U.S. sanctions could be reimposed “in a matter of days”, he said. “If he weren’t torn he would be much more public about his vote”.
Non-partisan anti-proliferation group Global Zero on Thursday said it was disappointed in Schumer’s decision, saying the deal “is in the national security interests of the United States and our allies”.
Schumer added that there is no way to be sure that Iran will change its own policies and goals under the deal.
Schumer’s formal opposition to the Iran deal is a blow for the Obama administration.
Backed by Israel, opponents of the deal vowed to derail it by garnering the needed number of votes to override the expected presidential veto.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., the state’s senior senator and in line to lead his party in the Senate after Sen.
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When MSNBC host José-Díaz Balart asked Menendez on where he stood on the Iran deal, Menendez said he had not decided but it looked unlikely that he would back President Obama.
