Momentum continued to build for the Iran nuclear deal Sunday with backing from Republican former Secretary of State Colin Powell, just as Congress prepares to launch a debate likely to end with a highly partisan vote.
The Republicans who control Congress almost unanimously oppose the accord, which was negotiated by the White House and diplomats from other leading nations to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions. But with a large majority of Democrats supporting the deal, President Obama is all but assured of the votes to prevent opponents from blocking it.
Another top Democrat, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, the party's chairwoman, announced Sunday she would back the deal.