Obama secures key vote to protect Iran nuclear deal in US Congress
President Barack Obama on September 2 secured the 34th Senate vote needed to sustain a veto of any congressional resolution disapproving a nuclear deal with Iran, ensuring the accord will not fail in the US Congress.
Democratic Senator Barbara Mikulski announced her support for the agreement, becoming the 32nd Senate Democrat, along with two independents, to back a pact announced on July 14, which exchanges sanctions relief for Iran for Tehran's agreeing to curtail its nuclear program.
The move means Obama's fellow Democrats will have enough votes to protect the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in the US Congress.
Their next goal is to see if they can gather at least 41 votes in the Senate to use the filibuster procedural rule to block a disapproval resolution in the Senate and keep Obama from having to use his veto power.
"No deal is perfect, especially one negotiated with the Iranian regime. I have concluded that this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb," Mikulski said in a statement.
"For these reasons, I will vote in favor of this deal."
Secretary of State John Kerry gave a speech about the deal in Philadelphia on September 2, arguing that its benefits outweigh any drawbacks.
US lawmakers have until Sept. 17 to vote on a "resolution of disapproval," which would weaken the international pact by eliminating Obama's ability to temporarily waive many US sanctions on Iran.