An Iran sanctions bill opposed by the White House continues to gain traction in Congress, with 59 senators officially signing on as of Friday morning — just one shy of a filibuster-proof majority.
Another five lawmakers, all Republicans, signed on as co-sponsors on Thursday. Only two Republicans have so far abstained: Sens. Rand Paul
Randal (Rand) Howard PaulSenate GOP brushes off long-shot attempt to fight Biden win Overnight Defense: Lawmakers release compromise defense bill in defiance of Trump veto threat | Senate voting next week on blocking UAE arms sale | Report faults lack of training, 'chronic fatigue' in military plane crashes Senate to vote next week on blocking Trump's UAE arms sale MORE (R-Ky.) and Jeff Flake
Jeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeBiden eyeing Cindy McCain for UK ambassador position: report Profiles in cowardice: Trump's Senate enablers McSally concedes Arizona Senate race MORE (R-Ariz.), both of whom are libertarian-leaning members critical of U.S. involvement in the Middle East.
Sixteen Democrats have also signed on to the legislation, which was introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez
Robert (Bob) MenendezSenate to vote next week on blocking Trump's UAE arms sale Judge whose son was killed by gunman: 'Federal judiciary is under attack' Emergency housing assistance for older adults needed now MORE (D-N.J.) shortly before the holiday recess. More are believed to be ready to vote for the bill if it ever comes up for a vote.
The drip-drip of co-sponsorships is putting pressure on Senate Leader Harry Reid
Harry Mason ReidFeinstein departure from top post sets stage for Judiciary fight Whitehouse says Democratic caucus will decide future of Judiciary Committee Bottom line MORE (D-Nev.) to buck the White House and schedule a vote on the bill. The bill would slap new sanctions on Iran's energy sector if it reneges on a preliminary deal reached in November or fails to agree to a final deal that bars it from enriching uranium, which the Obama administration says would imperial nuclear talks.
Please send tips and comments to Julian Pecquet: jpecquet@thehill.com
Follow us on Twitter: @TheHillGlobal and @JPecquetTheHill
