WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate plunges into a high-stakes debate this week over empowering Congress to review and possibly reject any nuclear deal with Iran. It will offer Republican presidential candidates a chance to prove their hawkishness toward Iran and support for Israel.
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida wants to add a provision requiring the Obama administration to certify that Iran’s leaders have publicly accepted Israel’s right to exist, a nearly impossible mandate. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas isn’t satisfied with the bill’s process in which Congress could disapprove of the deal. He and Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania want lawmakers to approve the final deal.
Proponents of the bill are trying to discourage any changes to the legislation. Amendments and full debate begin Tuesday.