The Senate advanced legislation Tuesday that seeks to force President Trump to withdraw from the Iran war, as a growing number of Republicans defied the president's wishes. Since Trump ordered the attack on Iran at the end of February, Democrats have forced repeated votes on war powers resolutions that would require him to either gain congressional approval for the war or withdraw troops. Republicans had been able to muster the votes to reject those proposals, but Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy—fresh off a primary election loss in which Trump endorsed his opponent—switched sides to deliver a crucial vote, the AP reports.
The motion to discharge the legislation from committee was approved in a 50-47 vote, CBS News reports. Republican Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Rand Paul also voted in favor, while Sen. John Fetterman was the only Democrat in opposition. Collins, Murkowski, and Paul had all previously voted for similar war powers resolutions. Cassidy voted for the legislation for the first time. Three other Republicans, Sens. John Cornyn, Tommy Tuberville, and Thom Tillis, did not vote.
The resolution, led by Democratic Sen Tim Kaine, directs the president to "remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force." The resolution deadlocked in the House last week. While the measure would almost certainly be vetoed by Trump if it passed both the House and the Senate, Democrats say passing it would be a significant step, CBS reports. Kaine said Tuesday that public opposition to the war "is really hardening right now."
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
