Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker is carrying on a balancing act as he attempts to bring more Democrats over to support his bill requiring congressional oversight on any Iran deal while still keeping his fellow Republicans happy,
Politico reports.
The bill, co-sponsored by New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, is opposed by the White House. Though it has the support of some Democrats, it doesn't have a veto-proof majority, prompting efforts to allow amendments to lure in more support.
The magic number of Democrats needed to override an expected presidential veto is 13.
Menendez stepped down from his role as ranking member of the committee after his indictment on corruption charges earlier this month, but told
"Fox News Sunday" he has no intention of backing down from his support of the bill.
"I honestly believe it is a congressional duty ... to review whatever agreement comes about," he said.
Democrats want to cut language that requires the White House to certify that Iran isn't directly sponsoring terrorism against the United States, Politico reports. It also wants to allow President Barack Obama to lift legislative sanctions more quickly than the 60-day review period the bill currently gives Congress.
But Republicans want an even tougher bill, requiring certifications of Iran's compliance and for Iran to recognize Israel as a state. Iranian leaders currently are calling for Israel to be wiped from the map.
The Obama administration and liberal Democrats fear the bill could stymie efforts for a deal. California Sen. Barbara Boxer is attempting to delay the committee vote until after the final agreement is reached this summer, but Politico calls that effort unlikely to succeed.
The committee vote is expected Tuesday, but business meetings are scheduled into Wednesday.
That said, a floor vote faces competition from other legislation, and liberal Democrats are facing pressure in their home states from both sides with leftist groups warning of punishment at the ballot box for going against the White House.