Senate panel OKs bill giving Congress say on Iran nuke deal

WASHINGTON — A Senate panel has unanimously approved a bill that would give Congress a say about the emerging deal aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.

The Foreign Relations Committee vote was 19-0.

Democrats and Republicans reached a compromise on the measure. As news of the deal trickled out, the White House said President Barack Obama would likely sign it in its new form. He had threatened to veto it in its original form.

The bill, which now goes to the Senate floor, sets up a 30-day congressional review period and requires the administration to regularly update Congress on Iran’s compliance. During that period, Obama could not waive any sanctions that Congress has levied on Iran.

DEB RIECHMANN AND LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated Press