Republican Senators haven’t been able to convince President Obama about their concerns, so now they are going a different route.
According to Josh Rogin of Bloomberg View, 47 GOP Senators sent an open letter to the leaders of Iran about a proposed nuclear deal. Among the signatories was Pennsylvania’s junior Senator, Pat Toomey.
The Obama Administration and the Iranian regime have been negotiating for over a year on an agreement that would freeze Iran’s nuclear weapon program. With an end of the month deadline, reports indicate a deal may be close.
Details have been sparse but apparently the two sides are closing in on a ten-year deal.
Given Republican control of the Senate and the need for two-thirds approval of any treaty, though, it is more likely the two countries would have to settle for an executive agreement.
Congressional Republicans recently invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress in which he argued against the deal.
President Obama, who views this and other moves as attempts to undermine him, denounced the move and Vice President Biden did not attend the address.
Now 47 of the 54 Republican Senators are going around the President to appeal to the “Leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
“The letter is meant not just to discourage the Iranian regime from signing a deal but also to pressure the White House into giving Congress some authority over the process,” Rogin writes.
The Senators, who unlike the President, have to stand for re-election in the future, aren’t happy with the proposed deal. Not only that, they seem to indicate in the message that they would not honor it.
“The President may serve only two 4-year terms, whereas senators may serve an unlimited number of 6-year terms,” they write. “As applied today, for instance, President Obama will leave office in January 2017, while most of us will remain in office well beyond then – perhaps decades.”
“We will consider any agreement regarding your nuclear-weapons program that is not approved by the Congress as nothing more than an executive agreement between President Obama and Ayatollah Khamenei,” they conclude. “The next president could revoke such an executive agreement with the stroke of a pen and future Congresses could modify the terms of the agreement at any time.”
PoliticsPA reached out to Senator Toomey’s office for comment.
“I think the letter makes the points,” Communications Director E.R. Anderson responded.
Update: Former Congressman Joe Sestak, who ran against Sen. Toomey in 2010 and is seeking a rematch next year, responded to the Senator’s action in a lengthy email:
During my 31 years in the Navy, I went to approximately 80 countries. I have served in the White House as President Clinton’s Director for Defense Policy and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Executive Branch. I also have great respect for the institution of Congress, where I served for four years. But the regard for the institution of the U.S. Presidency and Commander-in-Chief that I saw around the world was unrivaled—as long as we respect it also.
Senators have the absolute right to argue and disagree with the President’s approach to any issue. But for Sen. Toomey to sign a letter to a foreign leader urging that leader to ignore the institution of the American Presidency is inexcusable, embarrassing, and shows a lack of experience and understanding about America’s standing in the world, led first and foremost by the U.S. President.
When Sen. Toomey was a Congressman, he fundamentally misunderstood the proper use of our military in the world when he voted to send us into the Iraq War. Today, Sen. Toomey is again wrong in voicing directly to an adversarial leader his opposition to an ongoing process of American diplomacy, by Toomey’s signing of a letter to the Supreme Leader of Iran, who has called for “Death to America.”
That Sen. Corker, the Republican Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, did not sign the letter underscores the recklessness of Sen. Toomey’s political actions – that he would tell a leader who wishes us ill to ignore our President’s endeavor. Signing the letter only serves to disrupt a possible effort to bring about a peaceful resolution to the nuclear weapons issue with Iran.
And if the nuclear talks fail, Toomey offers no other option except to go directly to war. Then, once again, we will have a representative who will have pushed our nation into war and – with no skin of his own in the game – will once again walk away from the men and women he sent into battle by voting against 12 Department of Veterans Affairs’ appropriations bills after his vote for the war in Iraq.
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130 Responses
I can only hope that after signing the #iranletter that you are charged with treason. You and your fellow letter signers have made our country an international embarrassment. We don’t want any more wars. Sorry, you will have to find your profits elsewhere.
I think a very big point is being missed here. That there is diplomatic activity happening at all. This is a bfd. Nowaybe there won’t be a treaty directly out of what is currently going on but it could eventually lead to one. This letter I think undermines the long game here. As to my earlier asked question here Is one thing that could be asked of just as examples of terms. Ask them to stop supporting Hezbollah. No one here thought of that? I’m beginning to believe that there is a genuine desire to go to war with these people. Do they not have the right to have a nuclear plant for electric power? Dare to try saying such a thing to China or Russia?
I think Senator Toomey has made a monumental mistake signing such a letter. I am Pennsylvania and a Viet Nam vet, and I have had my fill of politicians who so readily discredit diplomacy and leave military force as the only obvious possibility. Disgraceful for Republican senators to have signed that letter. Shame on them all!
Unsanctioned R-
I agree it helps Obama leverage them, which was not the intent, so the GOP shot itself in the foot, again. The GOP wants no agreement/diplomacy other than from the other end of a gun or missile. So, Obama’s sanity gives him leverage if they want a deal.
Sure, they’d like to have a bomb, but a treaty, commercial nuke power, and economic stability without current sanctions is worth more.
Plus, I think Iran would sign a peace treaty just to piss off Netanyahu by showing what a lying fearmonger he is.
As a retired teacher of American History, Political Science and Civics, I have never known an instance where members of Congress have performed such a treasonous act during an historic attempt to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to Iran. Sen. Toomey has accomplished some good things while in office, but putting his signature on this dangerous effort to derail the nuclear treaty talks is wrong for Pennsylvania, wrong for the US, and wrong for the future of our world. Other than an all out invasion of Iran, what alternative do we have if Iran backs out of the negotiations? And whose sons and daughters will be sent to the Middle East to fight another senseless and genocidal war? This Congress has refused to take care of the veterans of the last two horrific wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and now we are ready to strike Iran and fan the flames for World War III. Signing this letter and trying to derail the peace treaty with Iran is subversive, treasonous and not supported by the American people. Please work with the president and Secretary of State to make this a strong and enduring treaty that will serve everyone. Retract your signature and do the right thing. Stop undermining the president.
Senator after your signature on the letter to Iran not only will I not vote for you in the next election, I will be contributing to anyone who runs against you.
Tim Lenahan
Citizen of Pa.
Toomey’s pen pal Tom Cotton says Iran has been killing Americans for decades. Decades ago Republican hero Ronald Reagan illegally sold weapons to Iran so they could do it. Bush ignored all warnings about Bin Laden, then after 911, Bush let Bin Laden slip away when we had the chance to get him.
Bush and the Republicans lied to get us into a war with Iraq, and cost too many young, precious American lives. Obama had to clean up their mess, including making Bin Laden pay.
Now these pomp-ass idiots want to get their dirty hands into foreign policy again. Cotton says he’s just speaking for all Americans. He’s not speaking for this American, and neither is Toomey. Toomey has to go.
Unsanctioned R, you are absolutely correct – but only on the assumption that Obama wants or will use the leverage. The jury is still out on his intent.
Dear Senator Toomey,
I am both embarrassed and angry that you would sign such a letter that shows so little regard for Foreign Policy, negotiations and the Office of the President. This was clearly a partisan effort to embarrass the President, but guess what, it turns out, you should be embarrassed for getting the Constitution wrong. You do not represent the voice of Pennsylvanians, so next time, think about the USA first and your politics second.
Toomey is a scumbag traitor to his country.
Who lied and told all these folks that Pat Toomey read the comments here?
Senator Pat Toomey,
I am an OUTRAGED Pennsylvanian!
Your signature on the open letter to Iran is disgraceful. You show no respect for the office of the Presidency or a real working knowledge of our Constitution. Your action also weakens our power at the bargaining table and in the world at large. We will remember this in the 2016 elections.
I am distressed by the folly of that preposterous letter attributed to Senator Cotton, and embarrassed that a Pennsylvania Senator abetted him by signing it. This kind of inanity makes the entire country look like fools. Surely Senator Toomey, you can do better than this.
It’s all talk David, but you and I both know this helps Obama to leverage the Iranians.
For all you, rabid on both sides of this, the Iranian Foreign Minister has already weighed in on the letter and “schooled” the GOP on the Constitution, International Law, and their own unseemly/ill-informed behavior.
If anything, the letter has shown the Iranians how irresponsible and foolish the GOP is, and how a peace deal is Iran’s best option to avoid war.
But, the response from Iran makes it very clear that they don’t take the 47 fools very seriously.
Terror Ties (CAIR) Won’t Go Away for U.S. Senate Candidate Joe Sestak
March 10, 2015 by Moshe Phillips and Benyamin Korn
“ Sestak’s ties to CAIR became a significant issue in the 2010 campaign, in a mid-term election year otherwise largely dominated by domestic politics. The 2016 election cycle is likely to focus much more heavily on foreign affairs and national security issues.” READ MORE FrontPage Magazine http://www.frontpagemag.com/2015/moshe-phillips-and-benyamin-korn/terror-ties-wont-go-away-for-u-s-senate-candidate/
Shame on you. Shame on all of you.
His reply to your letter shows that he was teaching all of you about our constitution.
http://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2015/mar/09/part-ii-iran-responds-gop-letter
Bob, it’s noble of you to try and feed the animals, but rabid wild beasts will only bite your hand.
Senator Pat Toomey signs open Letter to Iran.
Pat Toomey is up for re-election in 2016. Do you want a man who Sabotage Historic Nuclear Peace Negotiations as your Senator ? He couldn’t wait 22 days to find out .((end of March.))
John Podhoretz in Commentary on the Logan Act which has never been enforced:
2. By interfering with the negotiation, the 47 Senators have violated the terms of the Logan Act. The Logan Act is a piece of legislation dating back to 1799 that theoretically makes it a crime for people not specifically authorized to do so to negotiate on behalf of the United States. It has been evoked exactly once, in 1803, and for a simple reason: It’s a shocking infringement on free speech of a sort common during the administration of John Adams, which forced the appalling Alien and Sedition Acts through Congress in a power play against new Americans who might express their disagreement with the government’s actions.https://www.commentarymagazine.com/2015/03/10/2-wrongheaded-liberal-takes-on-the-cotton-letter/
Obama’s appeasement of Iran is destabilizing the Middle East, selling out Arab allies as well as, of course, Israel.
Leading Saudi Writer: America’s (Obama’s) Iran Policy Is Leading The Region To Disaster
http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/8472.htm
“In his March 7, 2015 column in the London-based Saudi daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Tariq Al-Homayed, formerly editor of the newspaper, argued that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, aimed at reassuring the Saudis about the imminent U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement, not only failed to assuage but also revealed the deep disagreement between the two countries over the dangers of the agreement. Stressing that the inevitable response to an Iranian nuclear bomb will be an Arab nuclear bomb, Al-Homayed notes that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s argument that as it negotiates with the West, Iran is at the same time consolidating its control in Damascus, Beirut, Baghdad and Sanaa is correct, and warns that the countries of the region could fall “victim to the naïveté of a few people in Washington” because President Obama is not aware of the gravity of his actions, which are leading the entire region into genuine disaster.”
The anti-Patters sound like one of those crazed right wingers with this “impeachment” talk. When was the last time that anyone was prosecuted under the Logan Act or for sedition and treason?
Ted Cruz “If we do not see real leadership in Washington to stand up and defend this country , to acknowledge radical Islamic terror for what it is, and to defeat ISIS and stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons,” Cruz warned, “we are risking yet another horrible tragedy here at home that could well entail the men and women in this room once again running into a scene of heartbreaking devastation that could have and should have, been prevented.” http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/ted-cruz-iran-deal-terrorist-attacks-115936.html?cmpid=sf#ixzz3TzmJiIP1
Wouldn’t it be nice if the Iranian built bomb first took out all the commenters on this board?
Is there any group calling for Pat Toomey’s recall or impeachment? There certainly should be.
Shame, shame, shame on you. I guess you feel it is better to go with the “crowd” than stand on your own for what is right. No words!
After re-reading the comments, it appears that being “ashamed” is in vogue. Perhaps I should be ashamed of the rabid, shallow, comfortable citizens who believe in the God-like authority of the Presidency, the wisdom of its current occupant, and the good intentions of Iran?
It simply amazes me that people really think the letter is an “Act of Treason”, “sedition”, undermining the President, a disgrace, extremist, or whatever meaningless drivel the media tells you to think. Probably the same people who thought the same thing about the invitation to Netanyahu. Do you really not know that it is part of their job? Can you really not think of any time in the last 50 years that the same thing has happened? (think really hard) Are you unaware of the stakes involved? The cold-war era USSR was a walk in the park compared to a nuclear Iran that thinks it a moral obligation to use the weapons. I would think it a disgrace to sit idly by.
Dear Senator Toomey, What an idiotic thing to do. What were you thinking????
I guess you disagree. God help us.
I will ask again and please be specific if you wouldn’t mind what terms should be laid out and set in stone?
Nothing that puts the tools in Iran’s hands to bring “Death to America.” I’m sure you agree.
@ unsanctioned r. May I ask what terms you would find acceptable?
“the Supreme Leader of Iran, who has called for ‘Death to America.'” Best line from Sestak’s release.
FACT: Senate Republican’s letter helps President Obama to negotiate tougher terms for Iran.
It’s hard to argue that it’s the fringe of their party anymore. This was all but 7 GOP senators. It’s not surprising though since Republican politics, at the state level and the federal level, rely on fear and hate to win elections (it doesn’t hurt that the military industrial complex has its hands in their back pockets either). A peace treaty slaps in the face of those tactics. Peace is the enemy of the Republican agenda. Let’s not forget in 2016 that Pat “Tehran” Toomey sided with Iranian hardliners (who hate America) over our own President. And Republicans, do not ever question the patriotism of our President without first questioning that of 47 of your very own from now on.
I used to think politics stopped at the water’s edge. Guess that has changed now. Shame on you.
May I ask anyone willing to say exactly what terms would be acceptable for a treaty with Iran?
@Sestak is awesome. Good insight, except Obama’s A.G. isn’t mentally retarded and knows the law better than the drone/drones here who obviously received a talking points email. Our Constitutional scholar President should address this ignorance within his party, it looks ridiculous. The messages repeated here are sad. For what? to cover for Iran’s nuclear ambitions! Babies grow up, this is not a game. When Americans are vaporized and suffer from radiation poisoning, we’ll have you sympathizers to thank.
I couldn’t have said it better than John Tallo…………Senator Toomey, You, sir, are a disgrace to your office. To disrespect, and undermine the office of the President of the United States is not only unconscionable, it boarders on treason. It doesn’t matter who the president is, democrat or republican, or if you agree with him. To send a letter, or correspondence to a foreign head of state suggesting that he not negotiate with the President of the United States, is unacceptable.
Senator Toomey, you, and your fellow members of congress who signed these letters will assuredly be held responsible in the next election.
Once again, Senator Toomey, you are a disgrace and an embarrassment to your constituents.
BUT I WILL ADD THIS………..I WILL GIVE MY $$$ & SUPPORT TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT RE-ELECTED TO THE SENATE. YOU DON’T REPRESENT THE CONSTITUENTS OF PENNSYLVANIA. YOU ONLY REPRESENT YOURSELF AND YOUR INTERESTS.
AND THAT STOPS NOW. NO MORE CUSHY JOB FOR YOU AS A SENATOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
I know some Republicans and the Republican Party in general hate President Obama. Your hatred of Obama is clouding your judgment to the point where you are more interested about your party than the well being of the USA. That is very shameful. Don’t forget that Obama was elected by the American people not once but twice. The 47 Republicans who signed the letter do not have 1/3 the intelligence of President Obama. They are no better than Kindergarten school children. I know Mr. Toomey and your follow treasonists will do anything possible to obstruct President Obama’s agenda-but to reach out to a foreign power to undermine a sitting President of the USA, it is unacceptable. You are exposing yourselves to be vindictive, immature, short-sighted politicians, who care more about the Party than the Country. Shame on you and your 46 co-horts. Kiss my vote goodbye.
Toomey is a traitor who the U.S. attorney general should indict.
The next 9/11 will be nuclear thanks to Democrats.
Signing that letter just cost you 2 votes. Leaving the Republican party and voting for DEM
IMPEACH!
Pat Toomey TRADER
That route is called sedition.
That route is treason.
Senator Toomey, You, sir, are a disgrace to your office. To disrespect, and undermine the office of the President of the United States is not only unconscionable, it boarders on treason. It doesn’t matter who the president is, democrat or republican, or if you agree with him. To send a letter, or correspondence to a foreign head of state suggesting that he not negotiate with the President of the United States, is unacceptable.
Senator Toomey, you, and your fellow members of congress who signed these letters will assuredly be held responsible in the next election.
Once again, Senator Toomey, you are a disgrace and an embarrassment to your constituents.
Usually I’m. Just discussed, but this time I’ll. Work against your reelection
Hi Senator Toomey, as a Veteran I’m appalled that you signed a letter to leaders of Iran. You have undermine our President and all Citizens of the United States. Your unpatriotic motive just assured me not to vote for you, and I will always remember you as a trader.