Senate Republicans again block Democratic effort to end Trump’s Iran war

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans voted Wednesday against a resolution pushed by Democrats to bar President Donald Trump from taking further military action in Iran.

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The vote was 47 to 52, largely along partisan lines.

Once again, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the only Republican to vote for the measure and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the only Democrat or independent to vote against it. (Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., missed the vote.)

It’s the latest example of Republicans rejecting attempts to end the war or restrict Trump’s authority to act without congressional approval. Although Trump has said for weeks that he wants the war to end soon, no clear end is in sight.

The measure, proposed by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., says: “Congress hereby directs the President to withdraw United States armed forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for the use of military force.” »

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Despite the vote, some Republicans have indicated they will show less deference to Trump once the war reaches 60 days, at the end of April. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires presidents to obtain congressional approval for any military action exceeding 60 days.

“We need to start answering the questions,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. “The 60-day goal is what I’m looking at.”

Sen. John Curtis, Republican of Utah, who is generally a reliable vote for Trump’s agenda, wrote in his local newspaper, the Deseret News: “I will not support ongoing military action beyond a 60-day window without congressional approval. I take this position for two reasons: one is historical and the other is constitutional.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, also expressed doubts about the war in Iran and launched a resolution that would give Trump limited authorization to use military force.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has vowed to continue forcing votes on ending the war in Iran, which are privileged and do not require the consent of Republican leaders to speak.

“We will introduce these resolutions every week,” Schumer told reporters Tuesday. “Our troops deserve a mission, not a waste. They deserve a strategy, not chaos. Now Republicans have a choice. Stand with our troops or keep them in harm’s way without a plan, stand up as a senator or rubber-stamp Trump’s disastrous and failed war policies.”

A recent CBS News poll found that 40 percent of Americans approve of U.S. military action in Iran, while 60 percent disapprove. The survey found widespread disapproval and distrust of Trump’s handling of the situation.

Gas prices have increased since the start of the war, and the rising costs of diesel and fertilizer have caused economic concern in the United States. That has fueled fears of political fallout among Republicans, which could impact their votes on future war power measures.

“I hope we’re close to ending this. I think we need an exit strategy that will quickly bring down energy prices in this country. They’re very high. Very, very high,” said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. “I kept hearing about it when I was home. Gas prices in Missouri are a little cheaper than here, but they’re very expensive. And an exit strategy that will be good for our national security and keep us safe.”

Hawley said the 60-day window gives the president some leeway to take military action without Congress, adding: “We’re a few weeks away, but not too far away.” »

But other Republicans, like Sen. Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin, say Trump can act without their approval for as long as he sees fit.

Johnson also expressed openness to a U.S. military presence on the ground, while saying it did not need to be “massive.”

“If it requires special operations to help the Iranian people take power, I will not be opposed to it,” he said. “Unconditional surrender, this regime must be put an end to. »