Demonstrators protest against the Iran nuclear deal
The White House and insistent U.S. Senate Democrats locked up the votes Tuesday (early yesterday, Macau time) to frustrate attempts by outraged Republicans to pass a legislative rebuke to the Iran nuclear accord.
Three previously undeclared Senate Democrats — Richard Blumenthal, Ron Wyden and Gary Peters — announced their support for the international agreement in a coordinated burst. That pushed supporters to the crucial 41-vote total that would allow them to block a Republican disapproval resolution with a delaying tactic and prevent a final vote.
The agreement struck by Iran, the U.S., China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany in July would provide Iran hundreds of billions of dollars in relief from international sanctions in exchange for a decade of constraints on the country’s nuclear program. The deal aims to keep Iran at least a year away from being able to produce enough nuclear material for a weapon.
“There is no better deal available now,” declared Blumenthal, one of the Senate’s Jewish Democrats, announcing his support for an accord that is strongly opposed by Israeli leaders as well as Republican senators.
The three lawmakers were among just a handful of undeclared senators and were all considered possible “no” votes. Coming on the first day of Congress’ fall session after a five-week summer recess, their announcements were a dramatic start to what promises to be a bitter, partisan debate on the deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program.
The debate was set to take on some of the trappings of a political circus early today with Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz preparing to headline an anti-accord rally outside the Capitol.
It remained uncertain yesterday if all 41 senators now on record in favor of the Iran deal would hold together on the procedural maneuvers necessary to delay debate. And the developments didn’t change the ultimate outcome, which has been clear for days: Even if the disapproval resolution should pass the House and Senate this week, President Barack Obama would veto it, and Democrats have the votes in hand to sustain his veto.
But Obama and his Democratic allies now have within reach the possibility of stopping the resolution without a messy veto fight, despite the unanimous opposition of the Republicans who control both the House and the Senate.
“I think it’s cleaner, simpler and much better for American credibility around the world if the motion to disapprove doesn’t get past the Senate”, said Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, who’s been involved in coordinating support for the agreement. Erica Werner, Washington, AP
clinton admits private email was a mistake, says she’s sorry
Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized for her use of a private email account as secretary of state after declining since last week to express remorse for the arrangement that has shaken her presidential campaign. Asked about setting up the private email account by ABC News, Clinton said early yesterday, “That was a mistake. I’m sorry about that. I take responsibility, and I’m trying to be as transparent as I possibly can.” The apology evolution is the latest chapter for an issue that has dogged Clinton’s presidential campaign for months. Despite a big fundraising advantage and a slew of endorsements from party leaders, Clinton’s standing with voters has slipped — multiple polls show a majority of Americans don’t find her honest and trustworthy.
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