Three Republicans joined Democrats, but the measure fell one vote short as lawmakers remained divided over presidential war powers
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Worthy News) – The Republican-led Senate narrowly rejected another attempt Thursday to force an end to unauthorized U.S. military operations against Iran, preserving President Donald Trump’s ability to continue the campaign without a new authorization from Congress.
The Senate voted 49–50 against discharging Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s war powers resolution from the Foreign Relations Committee. The measure would have directed the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran that Congress has not formally authorized.
Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined Democrats in supporting the resolution. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to oppose it, while Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky did not vote.
The result marked the latest in a series of closely divided Senate votes over the Iran war. A similar resolution failed 47–49 on July 23, even as lawmakers from both parties voiced growing concern about the duration, cost, and widening regional scope of the conflict.
Supporters argued that the Constitution gives Congress—not the executive branch—the authority to declare war and that prolonged military operations should require an explicit vote by elected lawmakers.
The Trump administration and its Senate allies have maintained that the president possesses sufficient constitutional authority to defend American forces and respond to Iranian attacks. The latest vote leaves the administration’s military strategy intact while ensuring the constitutional debate over war powers will continue.
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