The White House denied Wednesday that the administration is giving the cold shoulder to Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Menendez of New Jersey over his support for new sanctions on Iran.
Top Democratic lawmakers were meeting at the White House situation room Wednesday on Iran and other national-security issues, but Mr. Menendez reportedly wasn’t invited. White House press secretary Josh Earnest denied that it was a snub.
“There is no single member of Congress that has had more conversations with senior administration officials in regard to Iran’s nuclear program than Menendez,” Mr. Earnest said.
Administration officials have been pushing lawmakers to hold off on new Iran sanctions, saying such action could impede talks aimed at curtailing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Mr. Earnest said Mr. Menendez “has played a very leading role” on Iran.
“The fact that we’re having additional meetings here at the White House with other member of Congress just means we’re keeping our commitment to have conversations with the chairman and the rank and file as well,” he said.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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