M.Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO Hillary storms the Hill

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a vigorous endorsement of President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran during a meeting Tuesday morning with House Democrats, multiple lawmakers said.

“This is a very important moment,” Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential contender, told reporters afterwards. “This is an important step in putting a lid on Iran’s nuclear program. There are a number of issues that have to be addressed… The first is enforcement…it will need to be enforced vigorously, relentlessly. In the agreement we have the access for inspections and the transparency that was absolutely necessary.”


She added, “As president [I would] be absolutely devoted to ensure that the agreement is followed.”

Clinton said she spoke with Obama around 11:30 p.m. Monday and will participate in a conference call on Iran with other former secretaries of State later Tuesday.

Clinton’s support could provide a significant boost to Obama’s effort to win over enough Democrats in the House and Senate to prevent congressional Republicans from blocking the historic agreement.

Obama threatened to veto any legislation that prevented the nuclear deal from moving forward. Congress will have 60 days to review and vote on the deal.

According to a Democratic lawmaker in the meeting, Clinton said the agreement is not perfect but that its core provisions are sound and it is “a deal worth supporting. “

Many lawmakers who are staunch supporters of Israel questioned whether the nuclear deal does enough to hold Iran accountable.

Clinton argued that Republicans are wrong to criticize a deal that she said was needed because of former Republican President George W. Bush’s failure to adequately address the problem. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) described Clinton’s endorsement of the agreement as “full-throated” and another lawmaker said Clinton delivered a “strong call to give it a chance.”

Clinton also addressed domestic issues such as college affordability and wage equality, members in the meeting said. Lawmakers gave Clinton an enthusiastic reception when she entered the room.

“This is clearly a pro-Clinton caucus,” Connolly said.

Clinton took questions for more than 30 minutes. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) asked her about Iran, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) brought up women’s issues and Rep. Lloyd Doggett questioned her about early childhood education.

Clinton is scheduled to meet with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Asian Pacific caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus later Tuesday. Clinton will then address Senate Democrats during their weekly caucus lunch.