"Democrats harshly criticized the Obama administration’s
nuclear deal with Iran during a testy hearing Tuesday, underscoring the
difficulty the White House faces in winning over its own party.
Secretary
of State John Kerry had several sharp exchanges with Jewish Democrats
on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, including ranking member Eliot
Engel (N.Y.), who said he was “very
disappointed” with the agreement.
Supporters
and opponents of the Iran nuclear deal have focused on Jewish Democrats
as both influencers and bellwethers in the debate.
“I
have a fundamental concern that 15 years from now, Iran will essentially
be off the hook,” Engel said. “My big question is this: What happens
then? Are we back to square one? Is this deal just pushing the pause
button for 15 years?”
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) argued the deal was not legally binding and that a future administration could turn away from it.
“This
is not a binding deal. … It’s not even an executive legislative
agreement. It might be at most morally binding on this administration,”
Sherman said.
He also appeared annoyed with Kerry when
the secretary said he would need to consult with the president about
whether the deal would be implemented if Congress passes a resolution of
disapproval — and overrides an expected veto by President Obama.
“So you’re not committed to following the law?” Sherman snapped." TheHill
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