Washington – The Senate has overwhelmingly approved a resolution that reaffirms U.S. efforts to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and says containment of a nuclear-capable Iran is not an option.
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By a vote of 90-1 early Saturday, the Senate backed the nonbinding measure that specifically states that it should not been interpreted as an authorization for the use of military force or a declaration of war.
Passage of the resolution comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pressed Washington to spell out what would provoke a U.S.-led military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. The Senate acted in the final hours before Congress broke for its weekslong recess.
The measure was introduced months ago by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn. It endorses continued economic and diplomatic pressure on Tehran until it agrees to suspension of its uranium enrichment program in compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions, cooperates with international inspectors and reaches a permanent agreement that its program is for peaceful purposes.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who cast the only “no” vote, had spoken out against the resolution as an excuse for the use of military force.
Congress has passed – and President Barack Obama has signed – tough sanctions on Iran to limit its oil sales, hamper its economy and make it difficult for Tehran to finance its uranium enrichment program.
So if I understand the Senate’s vote, they once again are relying on sanctions that seem to be failing at this time.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky; are you not even agreeing to sanctions against Iran?? Since the vote once again is not a warning about military force why would you be the only one with a “NO” vote??? How long have you been in politics??? Oh let me answer that; TOO LONG!!!!!!!
Interesting, I actually kind of liked Rand Paul until now.
now you have done it, I am sure Iran is quaking in there boots now and will not make any nuclear bombs,
When will the world (“Oylum Goylum”) realize that a nuclear Iran is not just an Israeli or American problem? It’s a GLOBAL threat.
And due to the fact that Iran is not allowing the inspectors unlimited access to ALL their sites, it’s a clear indication that they have something to hide.
I’m beginning to suspect that Europe and the rest of the world is waiting (hoping) for little Israel (and/or the U.S.) to do the “dirty work” for them…
Rand Paul is a wicked civil libertarian. He would sell your house before he moved against a foreign power.
Kol Hakavod to the US senate in supporting the critical idea of keeping Iran nuclear free. We hope that it will be an impetus to the executive branch to do all in their power on this issue.
Interesting to note that this was Democrats and Republicans together. 90 out of 100 senators is huge.