Washington—Both of New Jersey’s U.S. Senators, Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, played key roles in making sure that this week’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted, 19-0, on a critical compromise to the President’s sought-after accord with Iran.

Menendez co-authored the bill with Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN). Sen. Booker signed on as a co-sponsor in recent days.

“The United States must do everything in its power to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” said Booker. “Nothing less than American security, the safety of our allies and Middle East stability is at stake.”

The deal that has been brokered by President Obama’s administration had been roundly criticized by Jewish leaders, with many indicating that Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities are at odds with the existence of the Jewish State. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s entreaty to the President for a “better deal” took place earlier this year at a joint session of Congress. The so called “bad deal,” has become a wedge issue in the U.S.-Israel relationship.

The next step for the bill is the full Senate, where it is expected to pass. The House bill is also expected to pass shortly thereafter.

The bill gives Congress a 52-day review period of any accord reached between the U.S. and Iran concerning its nuclear development. Also the Senate leadership maintained that powerful language remained in the bill requiring President Obama to report regularly to Congress on issues connected to Iran’s state sponsorship of terror and human rights abuses.

Menendez, who stepped down from the Foreign Relations Committee leadership while fighting corruption-related charges, told the national media that “at the end of the day, Congress must have oversight responsibility, and this legislation provides it.”

Booker added that this bill gives Congress the mechanism it needs to “have a voice in the process that will help make any agreement with Iran as strong as possible.”

By Phil Jacobs