What happens if Congress overrides veto? Kerry’s not saying

Kerry cannot say whether or not the administration would comply with the law if Congress overrides a presidential veto of a vote of disapproval on the Iran nuclear deal.

Rep. Brad Sherman asks the secretary if, despite the administration’s hopes that Congress will not vote for a resolution of disapproval on the deal, Congress does so – would the administration uphold the law that would kick into place.

Kerry did not respond that he would uphold the terms of the law, saying instead that he would have to consult with President Barack Obama before he could answer the question. Kerry’s answer was brief, partially due to the stringent time limits of the committee hearing.

The current law blocks the president’s ability to suspend sanctions against Iran in the event that Congress supports a resolution of disapproval on the nuclear deal reached earlier this month. Obama has said he will use his veto to override the resolution of disapproval, but if a 2/3 majority is reached in the vote of disapproval, the president is not allowed to issue a veto.

— Rebecca Shimoni Stoil