The Senate voted 50-48 to approve a House-passed resolution directing President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran, though the measure does not carry the force of law.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Senate voted Tuesday to approve a House-passed war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s military authority in Iran, marking the first time the chamber has passed the measure.
The resolution passed 50-48, with four Republican senators joining Democrats in support of the measure. The Republicans voting for the resolution were Rand Paul of Kentucky, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
Two Republican senators, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and David McCormick, missed the vote. McConnell’s office said Monday that he would not vote this week after his latest hospitalization.
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted with Republicans against the resolution.
The House passed the measure earlier this month in a 215-208 vote. The Senate had advanced the resolution last month after seven earlier Democratic attempts failed.
According to The Hill, the resolution directs Trump under the 1973 War Powers Act to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran, except for forces needed to protect U.S. assets or allies from imminent attack.
“The Senate on Tuesday approved a House-passed resolution directing President Trump to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran after four GOP senators broke ranks and voted to undercut Trump’s authority as commander-in-chief,” The Hill reported.
The measure came directly to the Senate floor Tuesday for a final up-or-down vote. Because it is a concurrent resolution, it does not require Trump’s signature.
However, The Hill reported that the measure does not have the force of law despite approval by both chambers of Congress.
The vote reflects continued debate in Congress over presidential war powers and the scope of U.S. military involvement in Iran. Supporters of the resolution argue that Congress must assert its constitutional role over matters of war, while opponents have defended the president’s authority as commander in chief during ongoing security threats.
The resolution now stands as a formal congressional statement directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran, while leaving in place an exception for defensive action to protect American assets or allies from imminent attack.
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