‘Hard Sell’ Ahead for Iran Deal, But Congress Has No Real Kill Switch
(Worthy News) – Shortly after President Obama announced a nuclear deal with Iran on Tuesday – and long before the detailed text became available – verdicts began flowing in from lawmakers. Some were already vowing to “undo” the agreement, others gave tepid support, but nearly all ignored the reality: that while Obama’s achievement faces a tough sell on the Hill, even if lawmakers were to oppose his push, they have no real kill switch, Defense One reported.
Missing from all the rhetoric is the inconvenient logistics: Obama’s announcement is only the beginning of a complex, interlocking series of steps to review and implement the agreement. And the review process set up by Corker’s legislation may favor the administration’s deal rather than efforts to block it.
But then there’s the math: Congress needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override the veto; Obama needs only the support of 34 senators to give the agreement safe passage.
After some paperwork, the deal will be submitted to Congress, beginning a 60-day period of public debate and congressional review. (The May law allows the House and Senate to seek an 12-day extension by sending a joint resolution to the president.) During that time, Congress can vote to approve or disapprove of the deal — or not act at all. If lawmakers vote no, and Obama makes good on his promise to veto such a decision, Congress will then have 10 days to try to override it. [ Source ]
