FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amanda Waldron
awaldron@armscontrolcenter.org
202.546.0795 X 2115
Cell: 202.264.9400
Amanda Waldron
awaldron@armscontrolcenter.org
202.546.0795 X 2115
Cell: 202.264.9400
Washington D.C. – Today, Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-Ky.) lost two more votes on the Iran nuclear agreement. For the third time, Republican Senate Leadership failed to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to end debate on the resolution of disapproval, as 42 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus blocked the attempt to kill the agreement.
On the Senate’s vote, Executive Director Angela Canterbury said:
“We applaud and thank Democratic leadership and each senator who came out in support of the agreement and voted again to ensure its implementation. This strong, diplomatic agreement is a triumph for our national and global security—and for the president. President Obama has secured a historic and impressive foreign policy achievement for his legacy. ”
Canterbury went on to say:
“The agreement deserved a robust and impassioned debate in Congress, which it received in full over the last two months. Now, the debate is over and the deal is done. The U.S. Congress must now pivot to preventing a nuclear-armed Iran with effective implementation. Congress must fully fund this effort and avoid legislation that could undermine this agreement.”
Sen. McConnell also lost a vote on poison pill amendments, 53-45, after receiving bipartisan criticisms for his exploitation of American detainees in Iran and Israeli sovereignty to score political points.
On these actions from the Republican Party, Senior Fellow John Isaacs said:
“These antics, led by opponents of diplomacy, prove that their plans to scuttle the agreement have unraveled. It’s been two weeks of nonstop political theater. We urge opponents of the agreement to consider spending more time legislating to avoid a government shutdown in the coming weeks.”
Despite the political games, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has successfully survived a two-month review period in Congress, the deadline for which is today.
Lastly, on the implications of the agreement, Angela Canterbury said,
“We sincerely hope that this victory will not stand alone, but instead will represent a new path forward for American and Iranian relations and for American foreign policy, one that prioritizes diplomacy.”
Angela Canterbury and other experts are available for further comment and broadcast bookings by contacting Amanda Waldron at 202.546.0795×2115 or awaldron@armscontrolcenter.org.
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The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to enhancing international peace and security in the 21st century.
Council for a Livable World is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to reducing the danger of nuclear weapons and increasing national security. Our mission is to advocate for sensible national security policies and to help elect congressional candidates who support them.
