The war of words over the Iran Deal is escalating tonight. President Obama has said if Congress votes down the deal, the agreement will fall apart and war could be imminent.
As members of Congress continue to deliberate over August recess, new support and opposition continues to surface on both sides.
Three dozen retired generals and admirals released an open letter supporting the deal this week, calling it the "most effective means currently to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons."
Meanwhile, a new group "Veterans Against the Deal" launched an ad campaign featuring a wounded veteran, retired Staff Sergeant Robert Barlett.
"I was blown up by an Iranian bomb," said Barlett in the ad. "Every politician who is involved in this will be held accountable; they will have blood on their hands," he continues.
Congress has until September 17 to vote on the agreement and lobbying on both sides remains robust.
"I've met with the Israeli Ambassador twice. I've met with groups from AIPAC. I'm meeting with a group from J-Street. I'm receiving comments from constituents," Representative Adam Smith (D-WA 9th District) told KING 5 on Wednesday.
"Look, we are going to have issues in the Middle East; we are going to have issues with Iran, no matter whether this agreement passes or not. No one is saying vote for this deal and peace will descend upon the Middle East. I think the argument is about does it do a strong enough job to ensure that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon," said Rep. Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.
While he hasn't completely made up his mind, the congressman says he's leaning towards yes.
"I think this is our best chance to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. I still have questions about the deal; I'm still listening to my constituents. I want to take the time that is allotted to hopefully make best and most informed decision on it," said Smith.
However, not all Democrats are on the same page. In a high profile split with the president, New York Senator Chuck Schumer denounced the deal.
"This codifies Iran being a threshold nuclear state after 10 years," Senator Schumer told media.
However, Politico reports he is calling colleagues to explain his decision and assure them he will not attempt to whip opposition.
Meanwhile, the president has promised to veto any action taken by Congress to block the deal. The question remains could opponents come up with the two thirds needed to override.
"It's hard to say. I think there are too many members undecided to give a clear answer to that question," Rep. Smith said.
While most members of the Washington Delegation remain undecided, Republican members have expressed concern.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the fourth ranking republican in the House, said in a statement to KING 5:
"I cannot support any agreement that threatens the safety of the American people, betrays our allies in the region, or places millions of innocent civilians in the region at risk."
Meanwhile, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA 4th District) wrote a column for the Daily Sun News in which he said: "The more I learn about the details of this deal, the more concern I have that this is a bad deal for our security and the security of our allies in the region."
