The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Jamal Abdi Phone: 206-369-2069 Email: jabdi@niacouncil.org

Lawmakers Signal Support to Protect an Iran Deal

WASHINGTON

NIAC commends Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Rep. David Price (D-NC), and all 150 members of the House of Representatives who sent a letter to President Obama today providing the strongest Congressional endorsement of nuclear negotiations with Iran to date.

"This letter reflects the views of the majority of Americans who support a negotiated resolution with Iran and is a last line of defense against those in Congress who are committed to killing a deal," said Jamal Abdi, NIAC Policy Director. "If the President is forced to use his veto to protect an agreement this summer, there are now sufficient lawmakers on the record in support of the envisioned deal to potentially uphold that veto."

The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act is expected to be signed into law within weeks, which would give Congress the power to vote on an Iran deal and potentially block its implementation by passing a resolution of disapproval. Such a resolution would face a Presidential veto, which would require 145 Representatives, or 34 Senators, to sustain. If the 145 voting members who signed onto the Schakowsky-Doggett-Price letter vote to protect the veto, a deal would be approved.

"Protecting a deal by veto is not the ideal option because it could convince some in Congress to persist with further efforts to sabotage a deal," said Abdi. "But if it's necessary to prevent Congress from killing a deal and leading us down the war path, the President will have to use his veto and many lawmakers will have his back."

The Schakowsky-Doggett-Price letter conveys support for the framework nuclear agreement secured by the U.S. and UN powers with Iran in April. Its signers warn that a collapse of negotiations would be harmful to U.S. interests and that war would not make the U.S. safer. The letter's signers encourage continued diplomatic efforts by U.S. negotiators to seal a final deal.

"The best option for a strong, sustainable agreement will be for lawmakers to approve a deal by either passing a positive resolution or simply doing nothing," said Abdi. "We are optimistic that, between this letter, the support of the American people, and a good final deal, there will be sufficient support in Congress on both sides of the aisle to protect a final deal."

The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 2002 to give voice to the Iranian-American community. From being the trusted voice on U.S.- Iran relations, to pushing forth legislation that protects individuals of Iranian heritage from systematic discrimination, to celebrating our cultural heritage, NIAC creates a lasting impact in the lives of the members of our community.

(202) 386-6325