Blows for Obama as key lawmakers come out against Iran deal
Sen. Chuck Schumer has become the highest-ranking Democrat to date to voice his opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. The New York Senator is among the most influential Jewish lawmakers in the United States.
Senate leaders have agreed to start the Iran debate as soon as they return to Washington on September 8. Republicans, who control the House and Senate, are uniformly opposed to the deal.
“The reason that Mitch McConnell and the rest of the folks in his caucus who opposed this jumped out and opposed this before they even read it, before it was even posted, is reflective of a ideological commitment not to get a deal done”, Obama said.
Congress is set to vote on the agreement next month.
“I think what you’re seeing with Senator Schumer is a man who’s very attuned to the sources of political support and financial support”, said Lustik. I would respectfully suggest that rejection is not a policy for the future, it does not offer any alternative..
The US Congress has until September 17 to consider a resolution of disapproval of the Iran deal, which would eliminate Obama’s ability to waive all sanctions on Iran imposed by Congress, a key component of the agreement.
Among his concerns, Schumer pointed to a possible 24-day wait before inspectors are allowed access to Iran’s nuclear sites.
“Advocates on both sides have strong cases for their point of view that can not simply be dismissed”.
“I have decided I must oppose the agreement and will vote yes on a motion of disapproval”, Schumer said in a statement. Should Congress pass a resolution rejecting the deal, defections by too many Democrats could be problematic for Obama’s efforts to sustain a veto.
So, while Thursday’s announcements are a blow to the president, opponents of the deal still face an uphill battle.
Schumer had been under consistent pressure in New York by pro-Israel supporters of the deal. Steve Israel, Nita M. Lowery, Kathleen Rice, Grace Meng, and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) all have come out against the deal.
Vermont U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders says he’ll support the deal negotiated by the United States and other nations with Iran to limit its nuclear program.
Schumer’s split with Obama was remarkable for a senior leader in line to replace Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., after he retires at the end of next year.
MoveOn, a liberal group that backs the deal, announced within minutes of Schumer’s declaration that it would launch a donor strike targeting the Democrats’ Senate reelection committee.
Schumer said in a statement that there is a real risk that Iran will not moderate and will use the pact to pursue its nefarious goals.
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.
Schumer joined a handful of Jewish Democrats who have announced their opposition Reps.