2015 promises showdown between Obama, Congress
With Republicans in control of both chambers, President Barack Obama will lose the ability to deal with Iran and Islamic State on his own terms.
WASHINGTON — Republican frustration with President Barack Obama's approach to global affairs has been mounting for the past six years. Starting next year, they'll be able to do something about it.
Nuclear negotiations with Iran will likely be the first major test of GOP clout as the Senate switches hands and party hawks clamor for new sanctions. Party leaders in both chambers have been critical of concessions made during the talks, and lawmakers are expected to introduce a raft of bills targeting Iran shortly after Congress reconvenes in January.
The White House will almost surely continue to argue that any new sanctions bills, which the president would likely veto, could derail the talks. With Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., taking over as majority leader from Harry Reid, D-Nev., those warnings won't cut it anymore.
Behind the hawkish rhetoric, however, lawmakers are in no rush to get the blame if Iran walks out on the international community. While some believe the current talks are a charade — incoming Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., has said he wants to “put an end” to the negotiations — others are more circumspect.
