Senate Democrats thwart latest GOP attempt to nullify Iran deal

Senate Democrats have turned back the latest GOP effort to undermine the Iran nuclear deal Thursday. Democrats blocked a measure aimed at maintaining sanctions unless Iran recognizes Israel and releases American hostages.

The vote was 53-45, short of the 60 votes needed to advance to a final vote. Two previous votes against the Iran deal have resulted in similar outcomes.

Thursday’s vote saw Democrats even more united, as several who oppose the Iran deal nonetheless voted with their party, rejecting GOP majority attempts to use the issue to political advantage.

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia was the only Democrat to break ranks and vote for the measure.

Other Democrats who support the deal voted no on the amendment, saying it offered conditional support for the deal.

“This conditional approval gives up any of the disapproval resolution on the nuclear agreement,” Ben Cardin said, according to The Hill. “That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.”

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called the vote “a waste of the Senate’s time.”

But Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program actually strengthens it and that Congress should say “no.”

Thursday is the deadline for Congress to vote against the deal, meaning the measure will likely go into effect next month.