House almost votes to block Obama from lifting Iran sanctions

The House came close to passing legislation that would block President Obama from some of the sanctions on Iran that are due to be lifted as part of the recently approved nuclear agreement, but then decided to try again later in January to ensure all members get a vote.

The bill initially passed 191-106, mostly along party lines, but the quick vote surprised more than 130 members of the House who didn't make it to the floor on time before the vote was closed down after the usual 15 minutes. With so many members missing the vote, Republicans and Democrats agreed to vacate the vote, and a new vote is expected on Jan. 26.

There were suggestions on Twitter that the vote was quickly closed down as part of House Speaker Paul Ryan's effort to ensure votes happen on time, and aren't dragged out beyond the usual voting times.

Despite the setback, the vote is a still sign that the legislation will ultimately pass the House later this month. Republicans were clearly backing the bill, which served as a rebuke of the Iranian government.