McConnell demands details on Iran side deals
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) slammed President Obama on Thursday, suggesting that it’s unacceptable that the administration hasn’t turned over agreements between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
McConnell, as well as House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), wrote to Obama earlier this month demanding that the administration hand over the two “side” deals.
{mosads}”That was more than a week ago, but we still have yet to receive them,” the Republican leader said. “Without this critical information, Republicans and Democrats in Congress may not be able to properly assess such a highly consequential deal with Iran. That simply is not acceptable.”
He added that the administration “needs to turn over side agreements without delays.”
The agreements between the international agency and Iran have become a key focal point for Republican opposition to the deal on Iran’s nuclear program, reached earlier this month.
Administration officials have said they do not have the IAEA-Iran deals. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters information on the deals was not given to lawmakers during classified briefings on Capitol Hill.
Earnest added, however, that lawmakers will get additional classified briefings on “what exactly the IAEA is seeking.”
Senate Republicans have voiced deep concerns and opposition to the Iran agreement, arguing that it could weaken U.S. national security.
McConnell added on Thursday that senators will continue to examine if Iran can be trusted to carry out an agreement, as well as Iran’s past nuclear research.
“At the end, Congress will take a vote and answer a simple but powerful question: Will this agreement actually make America and its allies safer?” the Kentucky Republican asked.
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