President Barack Obama, who narrowly eked out congressional approval of his trade agenda this week, again faces a skeptical Congress as his administration attempts to reach a final agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program.

Lawmakers are expressing concerns over lingering unresolved issues, such as how much access inspectors will have to Iran’s facilities, as negotiators approach a month’s end deadline for a final agreement...

...Reflecting a congressional desire to make sure the U.S. can apply pressure on Iran if it reneges on any deal, Sens. Mark Kirk (R., Ill.) and Bob Menendez (D., N.J.) introduced legislation Thursday extending for 10 more years sanctions on Iran set to expire next year.

“If a deal is reached with Iran, it is critical that should Iran violate the terms of an agreement, severe penalties will follow and a forceful snapback of sanctions will occur,” Mr. Menendez said in a statement. “For me, the trend lines of the Iran talks are deeply worrying.”

... Continue reading article here