There is another side to the story of 47 Senators who sent a letter to Iran that is different than that portrayed by you in your, dare I say quite biased, editorial of March 11. The Constitution gives the President very limited powers when dealing with foreign nations. In fact, Article 2, Section 2 specifically states, “He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur.” Rather than letting the President (and Secretary of State) negotiate a treaty (agreement, pact, shake of the hands, etc.) unchecked, it can be said that 47 Senators exercised a note of caution to Iran, letting them know beforehand that 34 dissenting Senators would make any treaty of the President non-binding. Our Constitution has checks and balances and that is what was conveyed to Iran. The President must, by the Constitution, present a treaty to the Senate for two-thirds (67 votes) approval for the treaty to be binding.

Dan Konieczko
Topsham