U.S. Senate Democrats have rallied the 34 votes they need to keep the
Iran nuclear deal alive in Congress, handing President Barack Obama a
major foreign policy victory.
The Iran nuclear deal on July 14,2015 between the U.S., Iran and five other global powers imposes strict curbs on Iran’s nuclear program, with the aim of ensuring the country remains at least 12 months away from amassing enough nuclear fuel for a bomb.
Under legislation enacted in May 2015, both chambers of Congress are required to vote by Sept. 17,2015 if they want to pass a resolution approving or disapproving the agreement.
Republicans, who control both chambers, have prepared a resolution disapproving the deal, which is expected to pass the House and face a tight vote in the Senate.
No Senate Republicans support the accord.
Only two Democratic senators, Charles Schumer, of New York, and Robert Menendez, of New Jersey, have announced their opposition to the deal
The Iran nuclear deal on July 14,2015 between the U.S., Iran and five other global powers imposes strict curbs on Iran’s nuclear program, with the aim of ensuring the country remains at least 12 months away from amassing enough nuclear fuel for a bomb.
Under legislation enacted in May 2015, both chambers of Congress are required to vote by Sept. 17,2015 if they want to pass a resolution approving or disapproving the agreement.
Republicans, who control both chambers, have prepared a resolution disapproving the deal, which is expected to pass the House and face a tight vote in the Senate.
No Senate Republicans support the accord.
Only two Democratic senators, Charles Schumer, of New York, and Robert Menendez, of New Jersey, have announced their opposition to the deal
The 34th senator to come out in support of the administration was the Democrat Barbara Mikulski, who said in a statement on Tuesday, "No deal is perfect, especially one negotiated with the Iranian regime.
"I have concluded that this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb. For these reasons, I will vote in favour of this deal."
Wednesday’s endorsement of the agreement by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D., Md.) means that even if Congress passes a resolution aimed at undercutting the deal later this month, Mr. Obama has the votes in the Senate to sustain a promised veto
Still, opposition from Republicans and some Democrats, divided public opinion over the deal and unpredictable dynamics in the Middle East could raise fresh hurdles over the next two weeks as lawmakers debate and vote on the historic accord.
US President Barack Obama has vowed to veto the resolution if it passes.
Only a vote of two-thirds of the members of both the US Senate and House of Representatives can override a presidential veto, which is why the support of 34 senators marks the effective finishing line.
Note
US Congress
Seats 535 voting members:
100 senators
435 representatives
House of Representatives political groups
- Republican (245)
- Democratic (188)
US Senate
Senate political groups
- Republican (54)
- Democratic (44)
No comments:
Post a Comment