Congress has 60 days to review the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – Could the newly-reached deal between Iran and P5+1 nations be blocked by the U.S. Congress?

Congress now has 60 days to review the deal according to the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, which was passed in both houses of Congress in May. If Congress were to pass a resolution against the deal, President Barack Obama has indicated he would veto such a vote. In this case a two-third vote is required in both chambers to override a presidential veto.

However, while the majority of Republican lawmakers have voiced their opposition to the deal, several congressional democrats have issued either statements of support for the deal, or cautious wording that did not reveal their position on the issue.

“The historic nuclear agreement announced today is the product of years of tough, bold and clear-eyed leadership from President Obama,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, (D-Calif.) “I commend the president for his strength throughout the historic negotiations that have led to this point.”

“Over the coming days, I intend to go through this agreement with a fine-tooth comb, speak with administration officials, and hear from experts on all sides. I supported legislation ensuring that Congress would have time and space to review the deal, and now we must use it well. Supporting or opposing this agreement is not a decision to be made lightly, and I plan to carefully study the agreement before making an informed decision,” said Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.).

One Democratic senator who voiced opposition to the deal Tuesday was Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who said “the deal doesn’t end Iran’s nuclear program–it preserves it.”