We’ve been primarily covering the filibuster and Obamacare recently, but there’s been another issue that has been overshadowed by these events: the Administration’s negotiations with Iran over its enrichment of radioactive materials. The U.S. was part of a group of talks with several other nations who have persuaded Iran to scale back on its nuclear ambitions, limiting itself to enriching uranium only capable of providing energy; allow daily inspections by the international community; and other conditions. In exchange, some of Iran’s international frozen assets will be made available to them upon cooperation with the conditions set forth. This deal will last for six months.

The Administration celebrated this accord, but the President faces difficulties with Congress back home. A number of Members of Congress have called for more sanctions on Iran. Democrats, including Democrats such as Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Robert Menendez, are among those asking for new restrictions. This has got Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in a tough position, where he has to deal with both sides of a divided party.

The Hill: Congress Wants Tough Conditions Before Any Final Nuclear Agreement with Iran

Roll Call: Questions Over Iran Jam Leaders, Defense Bill Negotiators

Bloomberg Businessweek: How Congress Could Derail a Nuclear Deal with Iran

Politico: Harry Reid’s Familiar Spot: Stuck in the Middle

One of the general themes we like to follow here is civility and promoting effective governance. Not too long ago, The Washington Post carried an op-ed from two former Senators who should know a thing or two about promoting it: Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Trent Lott (R-MS). Both were served Congress as staffers and Members, both rising to the post of Senate Majority Leader. Their column includes many familiar indictments of Washington’s dysfunctions, and many common solutions, but there is one in particular that we would like to highlight. “But it is more imperative than ever that all senators show respect for Senate rules and procedure,” they write. That would go a long way to helping alleviate some of our problems.

Washington Post: Tom Daschle and Trent Lott: Prescriptions for Comity in Government

And for our latest blog post: The Obamacare Rollout and Past Healthcare Reform Attempts