Some people are gnashing their teeth over a compromise reportedly reached between Senate Republicans who want the final say over a deal with Iran and Senate Democrats who primarily oppose the idea, but it appears that the "compromise" is more of a capitulation on the part of Senate Republicans.
Under the compromise as it is being reported today, Congressional Republican will be given the opportunity to vote on a resolution of disapproval if that is what they desire so badly, but their resolution can be vetoed.
Under the new timeline, Congress would have 30 days to review an agreement with Iran and pass a resolution of disapproval. The president would have 12 days to act on that resolution. Congress would then have an additional 10 days to respond to an expected veto, the aide explained. [...]
The resolution would be subject to a filibuster in the Senate, meaning it would need 60 votes to be approved. A two-thirds majority in both chambers would be needed to overcome a presidential veto.
I don't like the idea of even vague interference from Congress and personally I would oppose any attempt by Congress to derail the diplomatic process. If the final outcome is a symbolic gesture that won't tie the president's hands, however, I don't believe it's a hill that is worth dying on.
According to White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, the president is "willing to sign" the compromise and his judgement is good enough for me in this regard.
This discussion could be all for naught as the compromise that emerges from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee may change significantly before it passes (if it passes) and the White House could still veto it.
Giving Republicans the opportunity to formally oppose a diplomatic solution could be a good thing, politically, if their opposition is toothless. A majority of Americans support a diplomatic solution.