The U.S. Senate is beginning debate on the Iran Nuclear Agreement with a vote to be held no later than Sept. 17. Democrats including Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey have now given President Obama the votes he needs to prevent the Senate from passing a measure disapproving of the Iran nuclear deal.
“It was among the most, if not the most, difficult decision I’ve made about one particular vote on an issue of great complexity and consequence,” says Casey.
Casey credits the time and consideration he had to review the agreement, and talk with experts in diplomacy and nuclear fuel cycles, with helping him decide in favor of supporting the Iran Nuclear Agreement. “I probably met with more constituents against than for,” Casey said.
The agreement reached among Iran and six world powers including the U.S., would ease sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on the country's nuclear program.
“This is not an agreement based upon trust. We don’t trust them nor should we,” said Senator Casey, of the deal he believes establishes the toughest verifications, in the history of arms control negotiations, and inspections to hold Iran accountable to their promise of never having a nuclear weapon.
According to Casey, “The only way that promise will be fulfilled is if we hold them accountable every step of the way.”
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