Two more senators back Iran nuclear deal, giving boost to White House

Reporting from Washington —  Two more key Democratic senators announced their support Tuesday for the Iran nuclear deal, all but ensuring that President Obama will have enough votes to uphold the polarizing accord despite almost unanimous opposition from Republicans.

Congress is set to vote by Sept. 17 on a resolution to disapprove the deal. Consideration of the agreement has become an increasingly partisan exercise as Republicans line up against it, leaving the outcome largely in the hands of wavering Democrats.

The deal would curb Iran’s ability to enrich uranium for 15 years in exchange for easing of international sanctions. The White House argues the deal cuts off Iran’s ability to build a nuclear bomb, should it choose to do so, while critics contend the sanctions relief will strengthen a government that sponsors terrorism.

Backing from Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) puts the White House just one vote shy of the 34 senators needed to uphold Obama’s expected veto of the resolution if it passes.

More Democratic senators are expected to announce support in the days ahead and the administration is within striking range of achieving the 41 votes needed to halt Senate passage of the resolution of disapproval, which would make for a substantial White House win.

The Republican majority in the House is almost certain to pass the resolution of disapproval. But House Democrats appear to be lining up in sufficient numbers to sustain the president’s veto.

“I am voting to support this deal not because I think it is perfect,” Coons said in a speech at the University of Delaware. “I am voting for this agreement because it is our most credible opportunity to lead a global community in containing an existential threat.”

Arriving at a decision has not been easy for many senators. Undecided Democrats have faced fierce lobbying from both sides, including attack ads by supporters and opponents, a town hall meeting Tuesday in Maryland organized by AIPAC, the influential pro-Israel lobby, and personal calls from the White House.

Casey, long considered a hawk on Iran and an aggressive advocate for strong sanctions, released a 7,500-word statement detailing what he called “one of the most difficult decisions of my public career.”

The agreement “will substantially constrain the Iranian nuclear program for its duration, and compared with all realistic alternatives, it is the best option available to us at this time,” Casey said.

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