Senator Cardin discusses Iran Nuclear Deal with 47 ABC
Congress have just about three weeks left before they must vote on the Iran Nuclear deal. There are still many members, particularly democrats who remain undecided.
Maryland U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, who also happens to be Jewish, has been a long standing supporter of the Israeli community.
We’ve already seen another Jewish Senator, Charles Schumer of New York, announce his opposition to deal. The question is, will Senator Cardin follow suit?
Under the deal, Iran has agreed to limit its nuclear program subjecting most parts of it to a new inspections regime. Sanctions which have handicapped their economy would be lifted in exchange.
Senator Cardin says, “We may differ on the outcome whether for or against, but we don’t differ on our resolve to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear weapon state. We know that is critically important.”
Senator Cardin, democrat and senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has not yet made a decision whether or not to support the deal. It’s caused somewhat of a divide amongst the Democratic Party.
Cardin says, “We recognize that this is not a decision based upon our party affiliation. It’s based upon what we think is right for the country. We will be united moving forward regardless if this agreement is approved or disapproved.”
However, Jewish democrats like Senator Cardin are placed in a unique position. He’s getting heavy pressure on both sides. Pro- Israeli groups are asking to oppose the deal. They believe the agreement would destabilize the Middle East. On the other side, the Obama administration is lobbying for support.
Senator Cardin continues, “They know I’m under a great deal of interest. They respect the fact that ultimately my decision will be based upon my judgement as to what is in the best interest of our country.”
The senator says he has analyzed the deal. He’s read the more than one- hundred page document multiple times, attended briefings, public and classified meetings and closed sessions. He’s says he’s well versed and is breaking the deal down into pluses and minuses.
Senator Cardin goes on, “On the plus side there’s a lot of concessions that the administration was able to get from Iran to their nuclear ambitions, inspections and restrictions over the 10 to 25 year period. That’s clearly an important point. On the negative side, it would be legitimating a country that’s been a worry country on it’s nuclear programs.”
The Iran nuclear deal was reached on July 14th which has now given members of congress well over a month to review. 47 ABC asked Senator Cardin which way he’s looking towards…he responds, “I’m not leaning. I’m still debating. So we’re still at that point. Nice try though haha.”
Senator Cardin plans to return to Washington, D.C. two weeks from Tuesday August 25th. He tells us he plans to make a decision on whether or not to support the deal by that time.
The Iran Nuclear Deal is predicted to be rejected by congress. President Obama has pledged to veto that rejection. However, Congress does have the ability to override that rejection. They would still need 44 Democrats in the House and 13 Democrats in the Senate to help override the veto.
