That would mean a resolution of disapproval of the Iran deal under the Corker bill would only need 51 votes to pass, rather than the 60 now needed to close debate and end Democrats’ filibuster.
Advertisement
The United Nations watchdog will be responsible for overseeing implementation of a landmark nuclear agreement reached between Iran and six world powers in July under which it is to rein in its nuclear programme in return for the gradual lifting of worldwide sanctions. Congress has just one more day to act on the deal, and some Republican lawmakers have already threatened to force a full vote before the deadline.
Obama pointedly refused to see Netanyahu in March when the Israeli leader appeared before a joint meeting of Congress and harshly criticized the U.S.-negotiated nuclear deal with Iran, Israel’s enemy.
Last May, the Senate voted 90-0 for a resolution calling on Iran immediately to release Abedini, Hekmati and Rezaian, and to cooperate with U.S.to locate and return Levinson.
Rep. Adam Schiff, California Democrat, said Congress should beef up its surveillance of Iran and stand ready to rally to Israel’s aid if Iran uses its windfall from sanctions relief to sponsor unrest in the region. “It gives us a chance to go back to the American people, better explain this deal for them to contact their representatives and their senators and basically say don’t support this”. It’s unclear if this is the last vote the Republican-led Senate will take on the Iran nuclear deal.
President Obama will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on November 9, to talk about a range of security issues, including the Iran nuclear agreement.
The Senate will vote again Tuesday evening to move to a final vote on the resolution.
“He wants to drag this out as long as possible“, Durbin said of McConnell.
McConnell is ratcheting up pressure on Democrats who support the deal by forcing them to take more votes.
Although 42 members of the Democratic caucus now support the Iran deal, its fate was sealed two weeks ago when Sen.
Congressional Republicans have failed to block the deal from going forward. McConnell asked, questioning the legitimacy of a Democratic filibuster of a resolution of disapproval against the deal. That shift came across party lines with double-digit increases in the percentage viewing Iran as a very serious threat among both Democrats (up 14 points to 43%) and Republicans (up 15 points to 68%).
Advertisement
Dershowitz admits Obama may refuse to sign that type of legislation, but it would put the president in a curious position.
