Senate Passes Iran Sanctions 99-0, Sen. Bernie Sanders Only No-Show

The Senate overwhelmingly voted to extend economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran for 10 years, 99-0, with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) the lone senator missing Thursday’s vote that sets up a confrontation with President Barack Obama. “Given Iran’s continued pattern of aggression and the country’s persistent efforts to expand its sphere of influence across the region, preserving these sanctions is critical,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R.-Ky.) from the Senate floor. The bill passed the House 419-to-1 with the only nay-vote coming from Rep. Thomas Massie, also a Republican from Kentucky, who objects to economic sanctions on libertarian grounds. -- More...