US Senate Democrats have emerged victorious in their efforts to block an anti-Iran amendment offered by Republicans in relation to a ban on purchase of heavy water from Tehran.
The Senate fell short of three votes Wednesday to pass an amendment to a bill that would have barred the United States from buying Iran’s heavy water.
Offered by Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton, the amendment received 57 yes votes and 42 no votes.
The amendment was part of a $37.5 billion energy and water spending bill that had been stuck in the Senate over the matter.
Prior to the vote, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), said a decision the bill would clear the path for it to move forward.
“I believe we ought to be easily able to finish the bill today,” he said. “I think we should finish it today.”
Last month, the US said it would spend around $8 million to buy heavy water from Iran.
The Republican measure was part of the party’s…