(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The US Senate voted unanimously on Thursday for an amendment to a budget bill that will ease Congress' ability to re-impose sanctions against Iran if it violates a nuclear deal.

Republican Senator Mark Kirk, of Illinois, who sponsored the amendment said on Twitter: "With 100-0 vote on my Iran sanctions amendment today, Senate is speaking in a clear and unified voice against Iranian regime." The amendment will cover the cost of imposing sanctions if Iran breaks any existing or future nuclear agreement.

The legislation is non-binding and will not become law but it is seen as a political message against the country.

Kirk indicated that the passage of this amendment "signals the Senate's strong support for the Kirk-Menendez Iran sanctions bill, which stands ready now for a full Senate vote."