Congress acting on Iran this week, but stopping short of new sanctions until at least January

WASHINGTON – Congress is moving toward action on Iran this week that would stop short of any package of new economic penalties that might derail an interim nuclear agreement.

In the House, aides say Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor could introduce a nonbinding resolution as early as Wednesday spelling out suggested terms for any final nuclear deal with Iran.

In the Senate, aides say Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid is talking about possible sanctions votes in January after lawmakers return from their holiday break.

Secretary of State John Kerry is asking senators to hold off on any new penalties. He told House members the same thing Tuesday.

The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the legislative manoeuvring.