Assessing the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (Corker bill)

The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (S. 615) is essentially a complement to the new Kirk-Menendez bill — while Kirk-Menendez outlines penalties if nuclear negotiations with Iran fail, the Agreement Review Act ensures Congress’ role if negotiations succeed.

The act, authored by new chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Bob Corker (R, Tenn.), requires the White House to give Congress time to evaluate any deal, and then weigh in with an up-or-down vote, before any sanctions against Iran can be relieved.

Background. Corker — along with Senators Bob Menendez (D, N.J.), Lindsey Graham (R, S.C.) and Tim Kaine (D, Va.) — introduced the bill on February 27. In all, the bill has 12 co-sponsors. The Corker bill has earned multiple presidential veto threats, and it is unclearwhether Corker will be able to muster a veto-proof majority.

Core of the bill: Congressional review and sanctions freeze. Corker has consistently argued that Congress should have a role in approving or rejecting a deal reached by nuclear negotiators. To achieve this, the bill requires the President to press pause on any attempt to quickly implement a deal.

First, the bill requires the President to submit to Congress the text of an agreement and assessments of the viability of the deal within five days. Then, Congress has 60 days to review the bill by holding hearings and seeking additional information. Following that, Congress can pass a “joint resolution” either approving or rejecting the deal.

Only if Congress passes a joint resolution in favor of the agreement, or if it fails to pass any resolution, can the President “waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit” statutory sanctions. If Congress passes a joint resolution opposed to the agreement, the President cannot relieve sanctions, killing the agreement.

Congressional oversight of implementation. The bill also increases the reporting requirements on the President. If Iran commits a “material breach” of the agreement, the President must tell Congress within 10 days of the infringement.

In addition, the President must submit a Semi-Annual Report every 180 days and a Certification every 90 days. Both are meant to assess Iran’s compliance with the nuclear deal and its behavior, such as support for terrorism.

Expedited consideration of new sanctions legislation. If Iran cheats on the deal, the bill provides for expedited legislative consideration of sanctions.

Application to JPOA extension. The bill also applies to additional extensions of the Joint Plan of Action (which has already been extended twice).