But Schumer and Elngel’s colleague from New York, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, announced her intention to vote in favor of the deal while calling it “imperfect.”.
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The deal negotiated by the United States, Iran and five other nations restricts Iran’s ability to build a nuclear weapon while lifting economic sanctions against the Middle Eastern country.
Earnest told reporters the Obama administration worked closely with Schumer to explain details of the deal even before it was signed in an effort to gain his support.
Some top Democrats predict that he won’t lobby other senators because active campaigning would put him at even more hard position with the White House and Democratic leaders.
The White House had no immediate comment on Schumer’s announcement, which was distributed by the Senate Republican leadership after it was released by his office. If the White House had persuaded Schumer of the deal’s merits, it would have all but guaranteed that there would not be enough votes to override a veto of a resolution disapproving it. The odds are still against the deal’s opponents getting two-thirds majorities in the House and the Senate, but Schumer’s opposition keeps that prospect alive for now.
The decision by the influential Jewish lawmaker was quickly matched by another leading Democrat, Eliot Engel, the ranking Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee.
Anonymous/AP Josh Earnest, President Obama’s spokesman, all but encouraged Senate Democrats to consider Schumer’s opposition to the pact when they vote next year to elect a new Democratic leader.
Although Obama never mentioned AIPAC by name, his remarks reflected a new low in relations between the most potent pro-Israel lobbying group in Washington and an acting American president, said The Times. Republicans mostly are against the sanctions relief for nuclear restrictions deal reached July 14 between Iran and six major powers, making Democrats the battleground in the fight over whether Congress kills the bill.
Schumer voted for the war in Iraq, suggested Obama’s signature healthcare reform was a mistake and now opposes the Iran deal. Charles Schumer may say he’s done his duty by announcing his opposition to President Obama’s surrender to Tehran.
Congress will hold votes on the agreement in September.
Reportedly, 17,636 members of MoveOn, a progressive advocacy group, have committed to withhold $8.3 million they would have contributed to Schumer and other Democrats who oppose the Iran deal.
Sherman plans to propose additional sanctions on Iran next month to target its non-nuclear behavior, according to his statement. There are 46 members of the Democratic caucus in the 100-member Senate and 188 Democrats in the 435-member House. His statement also was posted as much of the political world was focused on the first Republican presidential candidate debate.
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“Chuck Schumer, who said it was a mistake to pass Obamacare, now comes out again the Iran Deal”, Jon Favreau, Mr Obama’s former speechwriter said.
