Democrats in the U.S. Senate have for a second time blocked legislation that would undermine the nuclear deal negotiated between Iran and world powers.
Republicans have been pushing a resolution to disapprove of the deal, which aims to curtail Iran’s atomic programs in exchange for lifting crippling economic sanctions.
But in a vote September 15, Republicans for a second time failed to muster the 60 votes they needed in the 100-member Senate to advance the resolution.
The second vote was not the final word in the Senate, however. Frustrated with the outcome, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell set up a third vote for September 17 on a measure that would bar Obama from lifting sanctions on Iran unless Tehran recognizes Israel as a state and releases U.S. prisoners held in Iran.
"Either way this debate will continue," the Republican leader said.
Many Republicans are hoping to capitalize in next year's elections on Democratic support for deal, which has been unpopular in U.S. opinion polls.