Republican senators demanded Thursday that Congress have a say in nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) tried to force a Senate vote on their bill, S. 2650, but Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) objected, saying a vote now would “undermine” negotiations.
{mosads}Secretary of State John Kerry is working with five other countries to get Iran to turn over nuclear materials and equipment so that the country cannot develop nuclear weapons. In exchange for getting Iran to the negotiating table, the administration lifted some sanctions. The deadline for negotiations is Nov. 24.
Graham said it would be “insane” for the United States to allow Iran to maintain nuclear processing capabilities as part of the deal.
“This is not the time to let President Obama go it alone,” Graham said. “The stakes are too high.”
The Republicans said they fear negotiators could ask for a third extension or reach a deal without Congress voting on it first.
“Congress should weigh in,” Corker said. Corker serves as ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.