Senate Blocks Democrats’ Attempt to Limit Trump’s Military Powers Against Iran
TL/DR –
The US Senate has rejected a Democratic move to restrict President Trump’s ability to use military action against Iran. The rejection was passed with a vote of 49 to 50. The resolution, led by Senator Jeff Merkley, aimed to authorize the president to “remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.”
Washington — The Senate on Wednesday voted against another Democratic bid to curb President Trump’s military powers against Iran. One new Republican senator voted to advance the measure, but the motion to discharge the resolution from the committee fell short by a 49-50 vote.
Kentucky GOP Sens. Rand Paul and Maine’s Susan Collins, as well as Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted with most Democrats in favor of advancement, while Pennsylvania’s Sen. John Fetterman was the sole opposing Democrat.
Murkowski had previously voted against such measures, but after a crucial 60-day window passed this month without needed clarity from the administration, she said she “felt that it was now time” to start discussing responsibilities under the War Powers Resolution.
The resolution, led by Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, called for the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from Iran-related hostilities unless explicitly authorized.
Senate Democrats have made six attempts to limit Trump’s Iran authority since the war began on Feb. 28. Paul was the only Republican to support prior resolutions, but Democrats were hopeful that more Republicans would join them after the 60-day milestone.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates the president to inform Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces if Congress hasn’t authorized a declaration of war, and enforces a 60-day limit on unauthorized engagement. However, the administration contended this didn’t apply as the clock stopped with the April 7 ceasefire. President Trump told congressional leaders on May 1 that Iran “hostilities” were “terminated.”
Nonetheless, Democrats like Merkley, who argue that the war could escalate again, have contested this interpretation. Merkley said it was imperative to see “it through that lens”.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, GOP Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, agreed with the administration’s stance, maintaining that “operations that began on Feb. 28 have been terminated.”
Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, who championed the war powers push in the Senate, said the vote was the first test of Republicans’ “commitment to Congress’s role in this crucial area”.
Kaine said Republicans are feeling the heat from constituents concerned about the war’s economic impact and high gas prices.
Merkley voiced optimism that dwindling support and rising skepticism among Republicans could lead to a reversal of the Senate’s stance on the war.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune pointed out that “the president is overseas, negotiating with China on national security issues,” and urged fellow senators to support the president.
Merkley observed that while many Republicans are uncomfortable with their current stance, they’re also wary of opposing Trump.
Murkowski, planning to introduce formal authorization for military force use in Iran, questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the administration’s authority at a Tuesday hearing. Hegseth said the administration believed that the president had the necessary authority to resume strikes against Iran under Article II.
Caitlin Huey-Burns contributed to this report.
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