Supporters of Iran Sanctions in Congress Attempt to Counter Obama's Veto

Some members of the U.S. Congress who support new sanctions against Iran are trying to gain the necessary majority to prevent President Barack Obama from potentially vetoing their sanctions bill. According to a report on Thursday, December 4, by the Associated Press, supporters of sanctions in the U.S. Senate need 67 votes out of 100 to ensure that Mr. Obama cannot veto their bill. The report references comments made this week by Senator Bob Menendez, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who stated that he, along with Senator Mark Kirk, is rewriting a bill they drafted in 2013 that failed due to pressure from the U.S. government at that time. Senator Mark Kirk, who leads the pro-sanctions movement in Congress, emphasized last month that he is still working to form a majority of supporters for new sanctions in the Senate to prevent the government from vetoing their bill. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Wendy Sherman, the acting Deputy Secretary of State and a key member of the U.S. negotiating team in nuclear talks with Iran, will meet with members of Congress on Thursday to try to prevent the passage of new sanctions against Iran. U.S. government officials stress that 'now is not the time for new sanctions' against Iran, as such actions could harm nuclear negotiations. In this context, Mitch McConnell, the new Senate Majority Leader, could play an influential role, but as the Associated Press reports, he has not spoken on this matter since before the midterm elections when he criticized his Democratic opponent, Harry Reid, for opposing a vote on new sanctions. On the other hand, Senator Bob Corker, who is set to soon chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has stated that he is working to increase pressure on Iran. He said, 'Congress has a role and responsibility to assist in negotiations (with Iran), which must be fulfilled. We are in continuous contact and dialogue with the government and others to understand and identify Congress's appropriate role to strengthen our position in negotiations.' However, the Associated Press notes that Republicans will need serious support from Democrats to form a veto-proof majority in the Senate, and it remains unclear how many Democrats will support the new sanctions bill against Iran.