Iran deal will survive in Congress despite GOP opposition

FILE - In this March 2, 2015 file photo, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress, speaks during a news conference in Baltimore. Senate Democrats have rallied the 34 votes they need to keep the Iran nuclear deal alive in Congress, handing President Barack Obama a major foreign policy victory. Mikulski became the crucial 34th vote Wednesday morning, declaring the agreement is the best way to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark) FILE - In this March 2, 2015 file photo, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress, speaks during a news conference in Baltimore. Senate Democrats have rallied the 34 votes they need to keep the Iran nuclear deal alive in Congress, handing President Barack Obama a major foreign policy victory. Mikulski became the crucial 34th vote Wednesday morning, declaring the agreement is the best way to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

By Associated Press September 3, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Iran nuclear deal strongly backed by President Barack Obama and just as ardently opposed by the GOP is now on track to get through Congress.

In the Senate, Democratic supporters can claim a decisive 34 votes in favor after Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland said she will vote for the pact.

That will allow backers to uphold Obama’s veto, if necessary, of a resolution of disapproval Republicans are trying to pass this month.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell grudgingly acknowledges that his side will not be able to block the deal, which he says leaves Iran “with a threshold nuclear capability.”

White House press secretary Josh Earnest calls the growing support a validation of Obama’s effort to make sure senators understand the deal.