WASHINGTON (AP) – Democratic lawmakers say they’re going to make those 60 days count.
The congressional review of President Barack Obama’s deal on Iran’s nuclear capability is a hard-won interlude that lawmakers insisted on as part of their successful drive to get an up-or-down vote on the accord – and with it, much of Obama’s foreign policy legacy.
The core of Democrats on which Congress’s support or rejection rests is in no rush. Some, particularly Jewish members, have questions about how the deal would be enforced, since Iran threatens to annihilate Israel. Others say they fought for those 60 days – during which Obama cannot waive, suspend, reduce or provide relief to Iran from congressional mandated sanctions – and are determined to put them to use.
That means a scant August recess for lobbying – by the White House, pro-Israel groups, liberal organizations – the undecided and the just plain coy who hold the keys to Congress’ decision. The subset of those up for re-election in 2016 is under particular pressure as the party tries to gain seats in the House and win back the Senate majority. But even those who will remain in office after Obama leaves the White House, such as Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, are warily examining the accord. By the time they face voters, the verdict on the deal’s success or failure could be sealed.
The political calculus for New York Sen. Chuck Schumer is in a class of its own. Many members see him, likely the next Senate Democratic leader, as the most influential member of his party on the issue. For now, Schumer, who is Jewish, is staying mum – under pressure from the president, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton and pro-Israel groups opposed to the deal.