Bipartisan Anger in Congress over Obama’s UN Move

Republican lawmakers – but some influential Democrats as well – were angry Monday about the Obama administration’s decision to have the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) vote on the Iran nuclear deal before Congress has had a chance to accept or reject it.

 

The unanimous UNSC vote in favor of the Iran Monday deal came just hours after the State Department formally sent the agreement to Congress to be reviewed.

 

Rep. Eliot Engel (NY), the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, joined panel Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif) in a statement that said they were “disappointed” that the UNSC voted “before Congress was able to fully review and act on this agreement.”

 

“Regardless of this morning’s outcome, Congress will continue to play its role,” they added.

 

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) — who last week sent a letter along with the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Ben Cardin (Md.), asking President Obama to postpone the UN vote — also criticized Monday’s move.

 

“It is inappropriate to commit the United States to meet certain international obligations without even knowing if Congress and the American people approve or disapprove of the Iran agreement,” Corker said. “During the review period, members on both sides of the aisle will evaluate the agreement carefully, press the administration for answers and then vote their conscience.”

 

Cardin, for his part, stated before the UN vote: “I think the administration should wait until after Congress has had its review period. I don’t know what is lost by delaying that until after the review period.” He did not criticize the vote after it was held, however.

 

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