Congress Acts: Senate, House Pass Corker Bill

The White House initially threatened to veto the bill when it was introduced in February, arguing that curbing the president’s powers could negatively impact negotiations. But President Obama backed off after the review period was shortened and the committee dropped the requirement for the president to certify that Iran has not been supporting or carrying out terrorist attacks against the United States or its citizens. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) played a key role in brokering the compromise between the Obama administration, Democrats and Republicans.

Republican Senators introduced more than 60 amendments to the bill over the past few weeks, but most were not brought to a vote. Majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) moved to close debate on the bill to prevent votes on amendments introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) that threatened bipartisan consensus on the legislation, such as requiring that Iran recognize Israel. President Obama stressed that he would reserve the right to veto the bill if it were to be amended before reaching his desk. But the House did not alter the language. On May 22, Obama signed the bill into law.

The following is a summary of the legislation released by Senator Bob Corker’s office, House Speaker Boehner’s statement welcoming its passage and a floor statement by Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD).

Congressional Review: Within five days of concluding a comprehensive agreement with Iran, the president must submit to Congress (1) the text of the agreement and all related materials, (2) a verification assessment on Iranian compliance, and (3) a certification that the agreement meets U.S. non-proliferation objectives and does not jeopardize U.S. national security, including not allowing Iran to pursue nuclear-related military activities.

No Suspension of Congressional Sanctions During Review Period: The president is prohibited from suspending, waiving or otherwise reducing congressional sanctions for up to 52 days after submitting the agreement to Congress. Following an initial review period of 30 days, the legislation includes an additional 12 if Congress passes a bill and sends it to the president. If the president vetoes the legislation, Congress would have an additional 10 days to override a veto. If the deal is submitted after July 9, the review period increases to 82 days (60 days plus 12 days for the president to veto and 10 more days for Congress to override a veto). During this period, Congress may hold hearings and approve, disapprove or take no action on the agreement. Passage of a joint resolution of disapproval (over a presidential veto) within the review period would block the president from implementing congressional sanctions relief under the agreement.

Congressional Oversight and Iranian Compliance: After the congressional review period, the president would be required to provide an assessment to Congress every 90 days on Iran’s compliance with the agreement. In the event the president cannot certify compliance, or if the president determines there has been a material breach of the agreement, Congress could vote, on an expedited basis, to restore sanctions that had been waived or suspended under the agreement. It also requires the president to make a series of detailed reports to Congress on a range of issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, its ballistic missiles work, and its support for terrorism globally, particularly against Americans and our allies. With this information, Congress will be able to determine the appropriate response in the event of Iran sponsoring an act of terrorism against Americans.

Click here for the full text of the bill

 

“Iran cannot be allowed to develop or obtain nuclear weapons. It is committed to the destruction of our ally Israel, continues to hold Americans hostage, and is feverishly working to support the spread of terrorism and promote instability in the region.

 

“So President Obama’s admission that his current framework would allow Iran to achieve a nuclear breakout time ‘almost down to zero’ is more than extremely troubling – it’s unacceptable.

 

“This is why Congress must have a role in reviewing any potential deal the president cuts with Iran. The American people are worried – and America’s allies are worried – that the White House will do anything to get one. So my colleagues and I have one goal: stop a bad deal. The bipartisan legislation the House passed today is the only way Congress will have that opportunity.”

 

“Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Senator Cardin, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, for his hard work to reach this compromise with Chairman Corker. This compromise bill allows Congress to look carefully at any final agreement.  It will help ensure that our common goal is achieved: a non-nuclear-armed Iran.

 

“I believe this bill reflects the consensus among Members of both the House and Senate that Congress – which authored the sanctions that brought Iran to the negotiating table –  has an important role to play in this process. I also want to thank our negotiating team for their tireless efforts to reach a framework agreement. 

 

“As I have said before, any final agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and include the most intrusive inspections and access regime we’ve ever seen in order to verify Iran’s compliance. It must address potential military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program and bring about Iran’s full cooperation with U.N. Security Council resolutions.

 

“The United States must never permit Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, and we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in defense of its security. That means ensuring Israel maintains its qualitative military edge, including through robust support for anti-missile systems and anti-tunneling defense programs.  It also means supporting our Gulf partners from Iran’s destabilizing activities. 

 

“Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon is directly in America’s national security interest. A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to us all.

 

“This bill will ensure that Congress can review any final nuclear agreement with Iran to make certain that it meets the goals we and the president share.  I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.”