While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the U.S. Congress generated loud applause and worldwide headlines, it is unlikely to lead to new legislation or a shift in U.S. policy toward Iran. Although Netanyahu won praise from the Republicans who invited him to speak on Tuesday and who control the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, he faced fierce criticism from Democrats including Barack Obama whose support is crucial to pushing new legislation through, U.S. lawmakers said. "He came, he spoke, but he didn't conquer," said Daniel Kurtzer, who served as ambassador to Israel under Republican President George W. Bush and ambassador to Egypt under Democratic President Bill Clinton. He is now at Princeton University. After Netanyahu's address, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would rush to a vote as soon as next week on a bill that would require Obama to submit any nuclear agreement with Iran for congressional approval. The White House has threatened to … [Read more...] about U.S. Congress’ backing of Netanyahu on Iran more show than substance
Senate vote on iran deal
Iran nuclear deal survives US Senate
(VOVworld) – By a vote of 58-42, the Iran nuclear deal survived the US Senate on Thursday, as Democrats overcame ferocious Republican opposition and delivered US President Barack Obama a major victory on his top foreign policy priority. A disapproval resolution against the agreement fell just short of the 40 votes needed to move forward as 40 Senate Democrats and 2 Independent Senators banded together against it. President Obama called the vote a victory for US diplomacy, for American national security, and for the safety and security of the world. … [Read more...] about Iran nuclear deal survives US Senate
Iran deal sent to US lawmakers for 60-day review
(VOVworld) – On Sunday, the US Department of State submitted the recently reached Iranian nuclear deal to the Congress. A spokesman for US Department of State, John Kirby, said that day one of the 60-day review period began on Monday after revealing the bureau had "transmitted to Congress the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, its annexes and related materials." Under legislation passed in May, the US Congress has 60 days to consider and make a final decision on the deal. If Congress rejects the deal, President Barack Obama could use his power of veto, and Republican senators must gain two-thirds of the votes to reject Obama’s veto. … [Read more...] about Iran deal sent to US lawmakers for 60-day review
US Congress debates Iran deal
(VOVworld) – The US Congress began its debate on the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday. It will have 10 days to review the agreement and then vote on resolution disapproving of the deal. Sources from Congressional Democrats say that as of Tuesday, there were sufficient votes for the deal in the US Senate. 3 Senate Democrats – Ron Wyden, Gary Peters, and Richard Blumenthal – announced that they support the deal, increasing the total number of US Senators in favour of the deal to 41, which is the minimum needed in the 100-member Senate to block a vote on a Republican-backed resolution of disapproval of the nuclear deal. … [Read more...] about US Congress debates Iran deal
US President gains key votes for Iran nuclear deal
(VOVworld) – US President Barack Obama clinched enough votes in Congress Wednesday to ensure that Republicans cannot scuttle the nuclear accord reached in July between Iran and the P5+1. Securing the support of 34 Senate Democrats is a victory for Obama’s summertime lobbying effort. The next goal for the agreement's backers is to see if they can gather at least 41 Senate votes to block a vote on disapproval resolution proposed by the Republicans. If US Congress were to reject the deal, it would only mean that US sanctions against Tehran will continue but wouldn’t stop the deal from taking effect. Speaking at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the US and the international community will monitor Iran and pledged that US allies like Israel will receive political and military support against threats from Iran. … [Read more...] about US President gains key votes for Iran nuclear deal