[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 3, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S1229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MEASURE READ THE FIRST TIME--S. 625

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the 
desk, and I ask for its first reading.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the bill by title for the 
first time.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 625) to provide for congressional review and 
     oversight of agreements relating to Iran's nuclear program, 
     and for other purposes.

  Mr. McCONNELL. I now ask for a second reading and, in order to place 
the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to 
my own request.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  The bill will be read for the second time on the next legislative 
day.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, this morning Prime Minister Netanyahu 
laid out the threat posed by a nuclear Iran in very clear terms--not 
just to Israel, not just to the United States, but to the entire world. 
He reminded us that no deal with Iran is better than a bad deal with 
Iran.
  That seems to run counter to the Obama administration's thinking on 
the issue, which is worrying enough. What is also worrying is its 
seeming determination to pursue a deal on its own, without the input of 
the people's elected representatives. Remember, it was Congress that 
helped bring Iran to the table by putting sanctions in place, actually 
against--against--the wishes of the administration.
  Congress was right then. And Congress and the American people need to 
be a part of this discussion too. That is why I am acting to place this 
bipartisan bill on the legislative calendar. It is legislation crafted 
by Members of both parties that would ensure the American people have a 
say in any deal. Senators Corker, Graham, and others worked on similar 
legislation, and they will mark that bill up in committee.
  Congress must be involved in reviewing and voting on an agreement 
reached between this White House and Iran, and this bill would ensure 
that happens.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Tennessee.

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