Republican Senators have voted against a war powers resolution that would require congressional approval for continued military action in Iran. On Wednesday, the motion to advance the resolution forward from the Senate Foreign Relations committee was defeated by a vote of 47-53.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., brought the resolution in an effort to limit President Trump’s ability pursue further action in Iran without Congressional approval. Members of the Trump administration held briefings with Republican Senators, encouraging them to stand with Trump and allow military operations to continue. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters the administration had complied with the War Powers Act by providing requisite notice to members of Congress before strikes commenced.
The administration’s efforts were successful, with Republicans such as Sen. Josh Hawley voting against advancement even though he supported a similar measure following military action in Venezuela earlier year. Sen. Hawley noted he believed congressional authorization would be required to deploy ground troops in Iran.
The vote fell largely along party lines, with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., being the only Republican to vote in favor of advancing the measure. Although they voted against advancement, two Republican Senators, generally viewed as moderates, urged caution and requested continued communication from the White House as the operation moves forward.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said members of Congress had received better communication from the White House regarding action in Iran than they had leading up to U.S. operations in Venezuela. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, released a statement explaining her vote and emphasizing the need to provide full support to U.S. troops during an ongoing conflict.
“The Constitution gives Congress an essential role in matters of war and peace. Sustained combat operations require full engagement with Congress. The Administration has adhered to the provisions of the War Powers Act that require notification to Congress within 48 hours of hostilities commencing, and it has provided numerous classified briefings to Congress,” Sen. Collins said. “Passing this resolution now would send the wrong message to Iran and to our troops. At this juncture, providing unequivocal support to our service members is critically important, as is ongoing consultation by the Administration with Congress.”
