Senate

Durbin says Dems have ‘loose ends’ on Iran filibuster

by Jordain Carney - 09/09/15 3:20 PM ET

Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, suggested Wednesday that he’s still trying to shore up support for a filibuster of a resolution of disapproval on the Iran nuclear deal.

“I will tell you this: We’re working that question now,” he told reporters when asked whether Democrats would be able to block the resolution. “We’re down to three or four loose ends. There’s been a positive response in the caucus — members understand. Let’s get down to the bottom line here. What McConnell wants to do is … drag this out at a time when we have precious little time for that kind of political exercise.”

{mosads}While 42 senators have backed the Iran deal, a handful of Senate Democrats have remained tight-lipped about whether they will vote no during a procedural vote on the resolution.

Forty-one senators would have to vote no in order block the resolution of disapproval from initially passing the Senate. If they don’t, President Obama would be forced to veto the resolution, which would be the fifth time he’s used the tactic during his presidency.

Reporters also asked Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) about a potential filibuster during a weekly press conference. Asked if the party will be able to block the resolution, he said Democrats “have 42 senators that are in favor of the deal.”

“If [McConnell] wants to waste the time and have a cloture vote, that’s fine. But let’s not play games here. A vote on cloture is a vote for the Iran deal or not for the Iran deal,” he added.

McConnell has warned Democrats against filibustering the Iran resolution, saying their constituents “deserve a serious debate and open vote.”

“Tired talking points won’t get us there. A filibuster won’t do it either,” he said Wednesday on the Senate floor. “But here’s what will: Respecting each other will get us there.”

The Senate has until Sept. 17 to pass a resolution on the deal, which would lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program, with votes in the Senate potentially lasting into next week.

Tags Dick Durbin Iran nuclear deal