Senate Republicans voted largely along party lines Wednesday to block a bipartisan war powers measure that would have required Congress to authorize continued military action against Iran, even as some GOP senators voiced unease about the Trump administration’s endgame for the fast-moving conflict.
Senate Vote Stalls Resolution, Paul Breaks Ranks
According to an Associated Press report, the Senate rejected a motion to discharge the resolution from the Foreign Relations Committee 47-53, leaving it stalled. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) broke with his party and voted to advance the measure, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) became the only Democrat to vote to block it.
Two Republicans who often draw attention in close votes, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), voted to stop the resolution while also signaling caution. After the vote, Collins said Congress should not undercut troops in the field, but she pressed the administration to keep lawmakers informed.
Democrats Press War Powers, Schumer Warns
Democrats argued the vote tested whether the Senate would reassert its constitutional role before a longer war hardens into routine. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) framed the decision as one “about whether or not senators are ready to send your sons and your daughters into harm’s way,” and urged Republicans to “take a stand,” arguing “the last thing the American people want or need is another war in the Middle East.”
GOP Defends Trump Authority, Endgame Questions Linger
Republicans countered that President Donald Trump already holds sufficient commander-in-chief authority to direct the strikes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters, “I think the president has the authority that he needs to conduct the activities, the operations that are currently underway there,” adding that Trump is acting to protect Americans and U.S. installations in the region. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called the resolution “unconstitutional.”
GOP senators also warned that halting operations while Iran continues launching attacks would be irresponsible, though several said briefings have not yet clarified how long the conflict could last.
Public opinion, meanwhile, has tilted negative. A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,282 adults earlier this week found 27% approved of the strikes and 43% disapproved.
Image via Shutterstock/ Joey Sussman
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