House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Wednesday said it was “worrisome” that the Obama administration may bypass Congress on a nuclear deal with Iran.
The New York Times reported earlier this week that the Obama administration would not actively seek any legislative action from Congress if a deal is reached with Iran over the country’s nuclear weapons.
{mosads}McCarthy argued such a move was the latest in a pattern of sidelining the legislative branch.
“This administration has a long record of ignoring and threatening to ignore Congress,” McCarthy said in a statement. “While this unilateralism alone is distressing, it is made even more worrisome in light of additional reports that the administration may be willing to yet again make significant concessions to the Iranians in the nuclear negotiations.”
But McCarthy said that Congress wouldn’t passively watch the administration negotiate with Iran and pledged there would be “extensive oversight.”
“Congress will not simply look the other way if the administration agrees to a deal that does not make sufficient progress in rolling back Iran’s nuclear program,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy said the “precise mechanics of congressional approval or disapproval” would depend on the nature of an agreement with Iran.
On Monday, White House spokesman Eric Schultz denied any intent to shut Congress out of the negotiations.
“This is an issue where we talk to Congress intensively,” Schultz said. “We will continue to consult with Congress heavily.”