US Senate panel approves Iran sanctions bill
Updated: 2015-01-30 09:25
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
A movement to levy more sanctions to cripple the Iranian economy had been moving fast in Congress. But on Tuesday, Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat who co-authored the measure with Sen. Mark Kirk, a Republican, and nine other Democrats told Obama in a letter that they wouldn't push the bill at least until the end of March.
The bill would not impose any new sanctions during the remaining timeline for negotiations. It says that if there is no deal by July 6, the sanctions that were eased during negotiations would be reinstated. After that, sanctions would be stepped up every month.
The committee voted to amend the bill to include a statement that Israel, an archenemy of Iran, has a right to defend itself. Other amendments to the bill that passed allow Congress to vote on any deal approved with Iran; beef up reporting requirements for verifying that Iran is complying with any agreement reached and task the Treasury Department to report on the economic impact of sanctions relief on Iran.
Last week, House Speaker John Boehner fueled the rising friction between Congress and the White House by announcing that he had invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress March 3 and push for new sanctions. A group of Democrats is trying to get Boehner to postpone the address.
Related Stories
Iran seeks 'quick' nuclear agreement: spokeswoman 2015-01-28 21:08
Iran FM in rare visit after king's death 2015-01-26 08:04
Fight shapes up in Senate over Iran sanctions 2015-01-21 07:56
New round of Iran nuclear talks moves ahead: Chinese FM 2015-01-20 19:25
Opening round of Iran sanctions fight kicks off in Senate 2015-01-20 14:49
US, Iran hope to speed up their nuclear negotiations 2015-01-16 07:13
Today's Top News
China's port project in Greece not affected
Royal Mail Chairman Brydon to step down
Trial finds GSK Ebola shot safe, with immune response
Russian Delegation stripped of voting rights at PACE
China and Greece 'willing to continue cooperation'
China hails German leaders' call to remember history
Greece's new govt halts port sale to China
Putin sets government main task of ensuring social stability
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Conca set to return to China |
CES: Spotlight on Chinese gadgets |
Yearender: What happened around the globe in 2014 |
National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre victims |
Corrupt female officials spark debate |
Blue skies ready to greet APEC |