Sen. Tom Cotton Wednesday blasted Democratic Minority Leader Harry Reid's plans to block the Senate from voting on the Iran nuclear deal later this month.
The freshman Arkansas Republican said that such a move by the Nevada senator would "deny the American people, through their representatives in the legislative branch, an opportunity to even have their voices heard. This is unacceptable.
"On a matter so critical to national security, blocking the Senate from voting on a resolution would be an insult to our constitutional system and a black mark on the institution," Cotton added. "While the president’s media apologists and hardcore liberal defenders in Congress may be claiming victory, the American people still deserve their say."
Reports first surfaced late last month that the White House might push for a filibuster on the Republican move to bring the Iran deal before Congress for an approval vote. The House and Senate can only accept or reject the deal.
However, that was before heavy lobbying of wary Democrats by the Obama administration brought President Barack Obama the 34 votes he needs to sustain a veto of any rejection of the deal by lawmakers.
Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski Wednesday gave Obama the magic number.
The deal, announced on July 14, exchanges sanctions relief to Iran for Tehran's agreeing to curtail its nuclear program. Iran could receive as much as $150 billion that has been held up by the sanctions.
Congress has until Sept. 17 to approve or reject the deal. Still, talk of a possible Reid filibuster has not abated on Capitol Hill.
Cotton accused the 34 Democrats of putting "partisan politics ahead of national security and their constituents.
"The consequences of this decision cannot be overstated and the American people will not soon forget their votes," he said.
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