2 Local Senators Push Iran Nuclear Deal Closer To Finish Line
By Ian Bush
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Two local senators have given a boost to the deal between the US and other world powers and Iran, intended to limit the Islamic Republic's nuclear ambitions. Supporters now are only one vote away from assuring President Obama of a major foreign policy win
They have reputations as hard-liners when it comes to Iran, and both Senators Bob Casey and Chris Coons have serious misgivings about the deal. The Delaware Democrat says it has "flaws and weaknesses and foreseeable bad consequences:"
"Under this agreement, Iran retains a civilian nuclear enrichment program that grows steadily in scope over the years," says Coons.
Pennsylvania's Casey warns in a statement that "we need to be prepared for the possibility that Iran will violate the agreement." But, he says, and Coons echoes, "it is the best option available to us at this time."
"...to lead a global community in containing an existential threat while preserving America's ability to use economic power and military might to successfully dismantle a nuclear program should diplomacy fail," Coons says.
United in opposition, Republicans aim to block the agreement with a vote this month.
One more Democrat must join the 33 supporting Senators to uphold a presidential veto.