Tom Cotton, the Senate's foremost Iran hawk, faces a major dilemma amid Trump's controversial stance
The backlash from Bannon and other conservative voices has added to the challenges Cotton faces in navigating the complex web of Iran policy and surveillance legislation. As he seeks to balance his own hawkish instincts with the need to work with the Trump administration, Cotton must also contend with the skepticism of some Republicans who are wary of any deal that could be seen as benefiting Iran. The Arkansas senator's decision to postpone the hearing on Jay Clayton's nomination has been seen as a tactical retreat, but it may also have given him some breathing room to regroup and reassess his strategy. With the surveillance program set to expire and the Iran deal hanging in the balance, Cotton will need to use all his skill and experience to find a way forward that satisfies both his own constituents and the White House. The stakes are high, and the outcome is far from certain, as Cotton navigates one of the most challenging periods of his tenure as Intelligence Committee chair.
Thune defended Cotton, saying he was “operating within his rights and prerogatives” as chair in insisting, however briefly, that the hearing would go on. Cotton's actions have been backed by many within the Senate Republican conference, where he is well-liked and has risen through the party ranks. His quick ascent has sparked speculation about his potential future roles, including Senate GOP leader or even a presidential run.
Many Republicans acknowledge that Cotton's clash with the administration highlights the broader challenges the Senate GOP faces in navigating the president's unpredictable decisions. "Senator Cotton is surely, surely a big fan and supporter of the president," Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said, but added, "he's got a committee to run."
Cotton is not alone among his GOP colleagues in expressing concerns about the Iran agreement. A number of senators, including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, share his national security hawk views. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who chairs the Armed Services Committee, criticized the agreement, saying it is "completely out of step with the president's goals." Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a member of Cotton's committee, predicted the agreement would only be a temporary reprieve in the conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel.
Cornyn argued that the $300 billion "reconstruction fund" included in the agreement would not be used for constructive purposes. Cotton also expressed concerns about the financial concessions in the agreement, including a new allowance for Iran to conduct oil sales, which he estimated could generate up to $6 billion per month. "That money … we know is not going to build new hospitals or day cares," Cotton said in a TV interview. "It's going to go to replenish their drone stockpiles, their missiles, to support terrorists."
Thune defended Cotton, saying he was “operating within his rights and prerogatives” as chair in insisting, however briefly, that the hearing would go on. Cotton's actions have been backed by many within the Senate Republican conference, where he is well-liked and has risen through the party ranks. His quick ascent has sparked speculation about his potential future roles, including Senate GOP leader or even a presidential run.
Many Republicans acknowledge that Cotton's clash with the administration highlights the broader challenges the Senate GOP faces in navigating the president's unpredictable decisions. "Senator Cotton is surely, surely a big fan and supporter of the president," Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said, but added, "he's got a committee to run."
Cotton is not alone among his GOP colleagues in expressing concerns about the Iran agreement. A number of senators, including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, share his national security hawk views. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who chairs the Armed Services Committee, criticized the agreement, saying it is "completely out of step with the president's goals." Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a member of Cotton's committee, predicted the agreement would only be a temporary reprieve in the conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel.
Cornyn argued that the $300 billion "reconstruction fund" included in the agreement would not be used for constructive purposes. Cotton also expressed concerns about the financial concessions in the agreement, including a new allowance for Iran to conduct oil sales, which he estimated could generate up to $6 billion per month. "That money … we know is not going to build new hospitals or day cares," Cotton said in a TV interview. "It's going to go to replenish their drone stockpiles, their missiles, to support terrorists."
News, Global