The result of that redrafting process is a significantly watered-down version of the Nuclear Free Iran Act of 2013, also known as Kirk-Menendez, that addresses much of the criticism the bill faced last year. Though crafted to build increased support from previously skeptical lawmakers, it remains staunchly opposed by the White House and world leaders involved in the negotiations with Iran.
The White House is standing by its vow to veto the legislation, claiming it would undermine the chance for a diplomatic solution.
READ: Corker says Obama ‘irresponsible’ with Congress
As opposed to last year’s version, the new bill cuts out the more stringent requirements that could have triggered sanctions amid talks, and would only bring down sanctions on Iran if negotiators don’t reach a deal to roll back its nuclear program by the July deadline, according to a copy of bill obtained by CNN. The language could change, as it heads to the banking committee for consideration next Thursday.
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Kate Gould, the lead Iran lobbyist for the Quaker-founded Friends Committee on National Legislation, said she is making sure key offices are aware of the grassroots opposition. “Passing a triggered sanctions bill is playing chicken with diplomacy,” Gould said. “Passing new sanctions that wouldn’t take effect unless certain conditions are met may very well provoke Iranian hardliners into responding in kind.”
International pressure has also been mounting on Congress, with the foreign ministers of France, Britain and Germany penning a joint editorial on Thursday opposing additional sanctions. And British Prime Minister David Cameron spent some of his time in the U.S. calling key senators to urge them to oppose the sanctions bill.
The division over the Kirk-Menendez sanctions bill is also fueling alternative efforts. Sen. Bob Corker, the newly minted chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is pushing a bill to require congressional oversight over any eventual deal with Iran.
And partisan odd couple, Sens. Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat, and Rand Paul, a Kentucky conservative, are drawing up what they called a more “moderate” sanctions bill that would cue up legislation for the Senate to pass new sanctions if negotiations falter. Paul was one of just two Republicans to oppose the Kirk-Menendez measure last year.
