Senate Panel Says Congress Should Have Say on Iran Nuclear Deal

A Senate panel voted on Tuesday to allow U.S. Congress to have a say on the United States' ongoing nuclear program plan with Iran.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to allow the possible nuclear plan to be approved or rejected by Congress. The U.S. Senate will vote next on whether the possible plan should be put in front of Congress for review.

Currently, the United States, along with other world powers, is working with Iran to reach a deal that would ideally halt the Middle Eastern country's production of nuclear weapons in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions imposed several years ago.

A final plan is expected to be reached by June 30, and while there currently appears to be miscommunication between U.S. and Iran, President Barack Obama on Tuesday agreed to allow Congress to review the plan before it is approved.

The Senate panel's vote and the president's decision on Tuesday move the legislation requiring congressional approval of the nuclear plan to a full Senate vote.

Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, a Democratic member of the senate committee, said in a statement that such an important international plans should require approval from Congress.

"We're involved here. We have to be involved here," Cardin said, adding that "Only Congress can change or permanently modify the sanctions regime."

Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine added to Fox News that receiving congressional approval is important for the peace of mind of the American public.

"The American public, just as we do, really prefer we find a diplomatic answer," Kaine said this week. "(Americans) are deeply skeptical just like we are about Iran's intentions."