The P5+1 nuclear deal with Iran will survive the US Congress after all. Today, four Democrat senators, Sens. Ron Wyden (D – OR), Richard Blumenthal (D – CT), and Gary Peters (D – MI) came out in favor of the pact, bringing the number in support to 41. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D – WA) came on later in the day, making it 42.
The means a bill sponsored by the Republican leadership aimed at blocking the deal has no chance of getting through the Senate. The vote would’ve needed 60 votes to pass a filibuster, and 67 to override a promised presidential veto. Now, the most they will be able to muster is 58.
Even that is a “best case scenario” for the anti-deal crowd, with the current numbers 42 pro-deal, 35 against deal, and 23 unannounced. Though it has been presented as a virtual lock that all Republicans would oppose the deal, lobby pressure to do so is probably going to relax considerably now that it has no chance.
The Israel Lobby is still calling for new bills that aim to undermine US implementation of the deal, while unable to block it outright, and the Republicans have suggested they will still hold a vote in the House, even though without any chance of a Senate version that vote will have no real meaning.
Congress had 60 days from the announcement of the P5+1 deal to vote on it, and planned to vote in mid-September, near the end of the deadline, figuring this would give lobbyists time to shore up a veto-proof majority. Instead, they’ve lost momentum dramatically, and the deal is secure.
One of the best things about the Iran deal, is that AIPAC lost.
Benjamin Netanyahu DEFEATED!!!!!!!!! AIPAC DEFEATED!!!!!! The entire GOP DEFEATED!!!!!! Cheney DEFEATED!!!!!! Chucky Schumer DEFEATED!!!!!! The Neo-Cons DEFEATED!!!!!! The Military Industrial Complex DEFEATED!!!!!! Bob Menendez DEFEATED!!!!!! John Bolton DEFEATED!!!!!!
This is actually a very big win for the state of Israel because the biggest fear of Netanyahu is likely to now come to pass, that Iran WILL in fact abide by the letter of the agreement, just to spite all these war mongering decietful lying evil bastards.
Not a big fan of the Dems; however, I (do) applaud the 42 Senators who
stood up against ACRAP, Nuttyahoo, and their Repug flunkies.
There is a modicum of honor among thieves after all.
Your darling Paul can now safely abstain but will he?
Wake up folks—USA has future plans for Iran. Bomb Bomb after Syria is Kaput and in control of USA interests. Ditz–why do you think politicians are yes men and with a wink. Not one article at Anti war—Iran deal is a scam.
It would not be prudent to assume the long knives will be sheathed just because the Israel Firsters have lost this battle.
From the numerous statements by politicians, former and active, there has emerged the totally unproven hence flawed assertion that Iran planned the development of a nuclear arsenal which, thank Obama, has now been averted. Iran has been humiliated and Netanyahu has got at least half of what he wanted.
I am convinced that almost every government of our planet has at one time or another asked its nuclear scientists what it takes to enrich U235 for both peaceful and military (defensive) purposes. The French did and proceeded to build the big enrichment plant at Pierlatte which could easily produce bomb-grade U235. No one tried to stop the French. After all, they had signed the NPT agreement, had they not?
It has been reported that most Iranians rejoiced because most restrictions will be lifted sometime in the future. When they will learn better what their nation is called by every GOP and every Democratic presidential candidate today they will get mad again and their Ayatollahn government will be greatly strengthened.
There is absolutely no reason to rejoice.
Aug 11, 2015 Dozens of retired US generals, admirals demand Congress back Iran nuclear deal
Dozens of former senior U-S military officials urge Congress to ratify the outcome of nuclear negotiations between Iran and P5+1
https://youtu.be/iJ05f1IlFbU