AJC: Senate Approves Congressional Review of Iran Nuclear Deal

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May 07, 2015, 04:42 ET

NEW YORK, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC applauded the U.S. Senate for overwhelmingly passing, by a vote of 98-1, the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. The bi-partisan bill, co-authored by Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), will ensure that Congress reviews any final nuclear agreement with Iran. The U.S. and the other P5+1 negotiators are aiming for a June 30 deadline to finalize the "framework agreement" with Iran announced on April 2.

"An anticipated nuclear deal with Iran, a country that already is a grave threat to regional and global security, must be thoroughly reviewed before it is finalized," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Congress played a vital role in erecting the sanctions regime that pressed Iran to negotiate in earnest, but given the numerous unanswered questions surrounding the emerging deal, and the heightened concerns of U.S. allies in the region, congressional review is essential."

Harris noted that the Administration, by withdrawing a threat to veto congressional action, had helped to gain bipartisan support in the Senate. "We look to quick, similar action by the U.S. House of Representatives on this critical measure, assuring that Congress will assume its rightful role in reviewing any final nuclear deal with Iran," Harris said.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee