Senate Republicans block Iran sanctions vote

[shawn703]

Source: Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Republicans blocked new economic sanctions on Iran's oil sector on Thursday, saying they needed more time to study revisions, a surprise move that drew anger from Senate Democrats who had expected unanimous approval ahead of Iran talks on May 23.

"I feel I've been jerked around," Democratic Leader Harry Reid said on the Senate floor after the Republican objection.

But Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said his staff did not receive a draft of the bill until late on Wednesday night, and needed more time to make sure it was as strong as possible.

"There is no reason in the world why we can't resolve whatever differences we have and move forward," McConnell said. "We certainly don't want to take a step backward, and there are members on my side of the aisle who are concerned that the way the measure is currently crafted could actually be a step in the wrong direction," McConnell said.


Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-rt-us-usa-iran-sanctionsbre84g0yy-20120517,0,7887270.story

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Could this in any way be related to this, linked to in an earlier thread about Israel going into lockdown mode? Maybe there is a decision being made to try to call Israel's bluff?

"There are indeed those who see in Israeli posturing over Iran only bluff intended to press world powers into harsher sanctions and avoid war."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/17/us-israel-iran-idUSBRE84G0UC20120517

[BumRushDaShow]

1. Anything that Democrats do, rebukes do the opposite

like a bunch of zombies... even if it is something that they propose.

[Renew Deal]

2. Whatever you're for, we're against

Even if we're for it.

[The Magistrate]

3. 'Mitch McConnell Aids Iran Nuclear Quest' Would Be The Proper Headline Here, Sir

And here is the lede....

'Republicans in the Senate today stood up for the Ayatollahs' quest for a Nuclear bomb, voting down sanctions against the Iranian oil industry aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear program. These un-American radicals are always happy to stand with the enemies of the United States, for they share the aim of those enemies: the destruction of our country and our way of life.'

[cstanleytech]

4. The header should be "Senate Republicans now support Iran!" imo. nt

[liberalgunwilltravel]

5. Oil Lobby?

The oil companies doing illegal trading with Iran would probably be hurt by these sanctions and their Republican lap dogs can't have that. That's most likely what this delay is about.

[schmice]

6. The Republicans want to tie Iran sanctions to further cuts to the poor, hungry. old and ailing.

Just watch. Then they are going to blame the President for being soft on Iran when he vetoes their unhinged bill.