Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer to Oppose Iran Nuclear Deal

He has pledged a veto, but if Mr Schumer’s decision emboldens other Senate Democrats to defect, the deal to which so much of Mr Obama’s legacy is pegged could collapse.

Schumer had been under consistent pressure in New York by pro-Israel supporters of the deal. “This has made evaluating the agreement a hard and deliberate endeavor, and after deep study, careful thought and considerable soul-searching, I have decided I must oppose the agreement and will vote yes on a motion of disapproval”.

The White House expressed confidence Friday that it will prevail in the multi-million-dollar battle over the Iran nuclear deal, dismising a senior Democratic senator’s rejection of President Barack Obama’s top foreign policy goal.

Nonpartisan, non-proliferation group Global Zero on Thursday said it was disappointed in Schumer’s decision, saying the deal “is in the national security interests of the United States and our allies”.

In a statement obtained by Reuters, Engel said that he has had questions and concerns about the deal ever since it was announced. All of them represent areas with large Jewish communities who are likely concerned about Iran’s anti-Israeli rhetoric and Netanyahu’s fervent opposition to the deal.

“It does not offer any alternative and many people in arms control and others have actually pointed that out”.

“The key thing here is to make it plain to Americans and the world that this deal is not a treaty, it’s certainly not a ratified treaty…it’s not binding on the United States“, said Sherman.

It is resentment that could have a lasting impact on who leads the Democratic Party in the Senate after current leader Harry Reid retires in 2016.

It is up to the GOP to encourage Democrats to side against the republican.

So far, at least 14 Senate Democrats and independents who vote with Democrats and about 34 House Democrats have announced they would back the deal.

Mr Obama has promised a veto if the resolution is passed by the House and Senate. Schumer insisted he was not influenced by party or politics and had not been pressured. “And just we were disappointed that he didn’t ultimately reach the same conclusion that we did”.

“Inspections are not ‘anywhere, anytime;’ the 24-day delay before we can inspect is troubling”, he said.

The interview, which was taped on Thursday before Obama left Washington for a 17-day vacation on the Massachusetts Island of Martha’s Vineyard, is part of a media blitz to rally support for the deal.

Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., came out against the deal shortly afterward. Opponents of the pact have targeted Schumer in campaign-style ads.

The timing of Schumer’s announcement, as lawmakers head back to their districts, is uncomfortable both for him and for the administration. Senator John McCain calling it the toughest decision of his career.

Earnest also distinguished Schumer’s opposition from that of Republicans, which it says is “ideologically driven” and “making common cause with hardliners in Iran“.

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