White House Standoff With Congress Over Iran Bill Not Over

WASHINGTON (AP) — Legislation empowering Congress to reject an emerging Iran nuclear pact is expected to sail through both houses of Congress, leaving President Barack Obama with the tough task of selling the deal to skeptical lawmakers.

Obama bowed to pressure from Republicans and Democrats and agreed to sign compromise legislation unanimously approved Tuesday by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

It would give lawmakers a say on what could be a historic deal aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. In exchange, Iran would get relief from economic sanctions stifling its economy.

While Congress takes 30 days to review any final deal, Obama would be blocked from easing any sanctions that Congress has imposed on Iran.