WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) today voted in favor of a measure stating that President Obama cannot move forward with the lifting of sanctions on Iran under his deal unless Iran releases the American prisoners it is holding and Iran recognizes Israel as a state.
“It is astonishing that President Obama reached an agreement with Iran without addressing the plight of American citizens held in Iranian custody,” said Coats. “Equally stunning is his willingness to enter into an agreement with a nation whose leadership wants to eradicate one of our most cherished allies, Israel.”
The measure failed 53-45, with 60 votes necessary for passage.
“Senate Democrats blocked an up-or-down vote on President Obama’s Iran deal,” said Coats. “Now they are blocking even modest protections they previously have claimed to support. This is a bad deal that Congress should have rejected. Senate Democrats own this deal.”