The Senate has approved legislation that would give Congress a say in the final nuclear deal with Iran. The measure calls for a Senate review of a final agreement and a potential congressional vote on blocking the lifting sanctions. Democratic Senator Ben Cardin praised the bill as a step forward.

Sen. Ben Cardin: “We understand that this country is stronger when we can find a way to work together. And we did — the proper role for Congress in this process. And today we’re one step closer to getting this bill done, and I believe we’re closer to being able to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons state. And we would like — our preference is to do that through the diplomatic means. And that is a much more likely result as a result of the action the United States Senate has taken today.”

President Obama is expected to sign the bill if the House gives final approval. Obama withdrew his opposition last month in the face of a bipartisan rebuke.