Multiple Democrats in the House of Representatives are making clear that they plan to fight for Congress' right to review and approve any agreement with Iran and that they won't approve a "bad deal."
Though many in the party plan to back President Barack Obama on any deal that is reached, a large contingent of its members say that Congress must have the final word on any deal, according to the Hill.
"I’ve been skeptical about a deal with Iran," Rep. Steve Israel (N.Y.), head of the Democrats’ communications arm and a close Pelosi ally, said in response to the framework. "The details deserve and must get a vote by the U.S. Congress."
Rep. Nita Lowey (N.Y.), the Democrats’ top appropriator, has also voiced skepticism about the framework deal and suggested Congress should play a role in its final approval.
"Congress was the driving force in enacting the crippling sanctions that brought Iran to the negotiating table, and Rep. Lowey believes Congress continues to have an indispensable role in shaping an agreement that verifiably prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons," spokesman Matt Dennis said Tuesday, stopping short of endorsing legislation.
Rep. Ted Deutch (D., Fla.), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs subpanel on the Middle East, has said that Congress has a "necessary role" in the negotiations.
"I remain deeply concerned as to how a number of issues have been addressed in the framework and may be addressed in a final agreement," said Deutch. "I look forward to a full and frank discussion with the administration on these issues and the questions the framework leaves open, specifically including the necessary role Congress must play going forward."
Rep. Lois Frankel (D., Fla.) shares her fellow South Florida representative's sentiments on the deal.
"Our job in Congress is to hold the administration to its promise that no deal is better than a bad deal as the details of this initial framework are hammered out," said Frankel.
It remains unclear how hard House minority leader Nancy Pelosi will work to get Democrats behind a Iran deal, according to the Hill.