Senate to hold new vote on Iran nuclear deal, Dems to block

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said during a speech on the Senate floor Tuesday that he is “astounded” the legislative chamber would sign off on the Iranian nuclear deal without first reading the agreement.

Twenty-five Democrats went against Obama’s lead and instead joined Republicans in rejecting the controversial deal, which requires Iran to redesign, convert, and reduce its nuclear facilities.

McConnell declared that the “debate will continue” and said he would offer a measure to stop Obama from lifting economic sanctions against Iran unless Tehran formally recognizes Israel’s right to exist and and releases American citizens held in custody. “Too many Democrats in the Senate and the House are soft in the sense that they don’t want to confront evil forces with force when necessary….”

Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, said these protocols are not enough to ensure Iran doesn’t produce a nuclear weapon.

The House voted Thursday to adopt a resolution accusing the administration of failing to turn over all the relevant documents related to the deal, as they are required to do under rules set out in legislation passed this spring. Few Americans remember that Iran launched its nuclear program in the 1950s with the direct backing of its then ally, the United States.

Under the Senate rules, a majority of 60 is needed to advance legislation to an actual vote.

Iranian nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi said late Monday after meeting with Amano in Vienna that the head of the worldwide Atomic Energy Agency would be going to Tehran. Katie Martin, communications director for the committee, described the agreement as a “dangerous deal with Iran” that will put US national security and the safety of USA troops and allies at risk. “I don’t know, I think you can figure it out”, he said.

Supporters assure the deal cuts off all avenues for Iran to make a nuclear weapon.

I also opposed the deal because the American people have made clear they do not support it. In fact, a recent public poll by the Pew Research Center found that only 21 percent of Americans support the Iran deal.

Last week Republicans fell two votes shy of reaching the necessary count, and were hopeful on Tuesday that two Democrats would change their votes under pressure from constituents opposed to the deal.

If the vote is not reversed, President Barack Obama will have won a victory.

McConnell dismissed Democratic complaints, arguing they forced his hand by blocking a straight vote on the agreement.