The White House on Tuesday indicated it would welcome a filibuster of the Senate’s vote on a resolution to disapprove the Iran nuclear deal.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the administration is “gratified” by the level of support for the nuclear deal, after President Obama clinched the 41 votes he needs to block a measure against the agreement.
{mosads}“We certainly would expect those members of Congress who support the agreement to take the necessary steps in Congress to prevent Congress from undermining the agreement,” Earnest said.
Asked whether the White House is urging Democrats to filibuster the resolution, Earnest noted it would be “a little ironic” for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) “to express concerns about a tactic he employed on countless occasions.”
Earnest’s comments suggest the White House backs an effort by Senate Democrats to block a resolution of disapproval from receiving a vote on the floor.
Republicans have derided the move, saying it violates the spirit of legislation passed earlier this year calling for lawmakers to weigh in on the nuclear pact before the president can begin lifting sanctions on Iran.