Democratic Senator Schumer to oppose Iran nuclear deal

“I will vote to disapprove the agreement, not because I believe war is a viable or desirable option, nor to challenge the path of diplomacy“, Schumer said in a statement posted on Medium.

“What the president took on directly in his speech is that the individuals who are advocating for the defeat of this agreement are the same people who made the same arguments in 2003 in the march to war against Iraq“, Earnest said.

Schumer’s thinking on the deal has been closely watched since the plan to loosen sanctions on Tehran in exchange for access to potential nuclear sites was announced in early July.

President Obama is doubling down on his comparison of Republicans to hardliners in Iran. The House and Senate will begin debate on a resolution of disapproval when lawmakers return to Washington on September 8 after their August recess.

Both are doing all they can to thwart the deal, he said during an exclusive interview with CNN. “In each case I have asked: Are we better off with the agreement or without it?”

Schumer’s office said yesterday the senator would also vote to overcome the veto.

I wish I could agree with Rick, but I see this as a sign that the White House gave permission to Schumer to protect himself with his constituents because they know that a presidential veto will not be overridden.

Late Thursday, Schumer announced that he will oppose the deal, in which the administration negotiated with Iran in hopes of curtailing its ability to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Charles Schumer, who’s expected to be the party’s next leader in the Senate, now says he will oppose the nuclear deal in spite of Obama’s intense lobbying in favor of the accord.

“In future years, many would argue as long as Iran appears to be complying with the agreement, America can not insist on modifications or extensions of nuclear restrictions”, he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing lawmakers to oppose the nuclear agreement, which he considers a threat to his country’s survival.

Obama spokesman Josh Earnest said the White House was “not particularly” concerned that the decision by Schumer, the third-ranking Senate Democrat, would encourage more opposition. Charles Schumer’s (D-N.Y.), said he will not vote in favor of the Iranian nuclear deal. Assuming every Senate Republican other than potential agreement supporter Jeff Flake votes against the deal, opponents will still need to recruit 13 Senate Democrats to their position.

Schumer also expressed concern the money freed up by the sanctions relief will allow Iran to increase its funding for militant groups across the Middle East, further destabilizing the region.