White House says Congress could 'kill' Iran deal

WASHINGTON

Despite years of intensive negotiations, lawmakers could “kill” the agreement that world powers and Iran brokered in July, the White House said Wednesday as it seeks additional support from lawmakers.

“Congress does have the capacity to kill this agreement,” spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters, saying lawmakers could effectively undermine the agreement by refusing to allow President Barack Obama to lift sanctions.

“They'll refuse to allow the United States to implement an international agreement that basically the rest of the world has signed off on,” Earnest said.

Iran agreed to allow unprecedented inspections and curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions that have stymied the Islamic Republic’s economy.

Congress will return to Washington early next month before a Sept. 17 deadline to vote on the pact.

Earnest said that there are currently “26 or 27” senators who have voiced support for the agreement, and only two Democrats who have registered their opposition to the accord.

Democratic support is critical in the Senate where the Obama administration is seeking to ensure that lawmakers cannot override a presidential veto. They would need a two-thirds majority to do so, which would require support from 10 pivotal Democrats. Republicans currently hold 54 seats in the 100 member Senate.

On Tuesday, Sen. Patty Murray, the fourth-ranking Senate Democrat, became the newest senator to officially back the agreement. Sen. Harry Reid, the senate minority leader, on Sunday lent his support to the agreement.

“There are several indications that we are succeeding in our efforts to build sufficient support for the agreement in the Congress, but we certainly want to collect as many votes as possible,” he said.