Senate Democrats edged closer on Thursday to curbing President Trump's waging of war against Iran but again came up short. A resolution ordering the removal of US forces from the hostilities failed 49–50, with four Republicans—Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis—crossing the aisle and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman breaking ranks to oppose it, CBS News reports. The House had narrowly approved the measure in July, but as a concurrent resolution it wouldn't have gone to Trump's desk or been subject to veto. This probably was the last chance for lawmakers to go on record about the war ahead of the midterm elections in November, the AP notes.
Backers framed the vote as an enforcement of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional sign-off for extended military action; presidents of both parties have long challenged its constitutionality. Tillis, who's departing the Senate next year, said he backed the resolution for the first time because 60 days had passed since the administration notified Congress that military activity against Iran had resumed. It was the 14th time the Senate has considered a war powers resolution since Trump launched the conflict with strikes on Feb. 28.
More Republicans, including senators, in tight races are distancing themselves from Trump's Iran policy as the war takes the blame for rising gas prices. "They have been carrying water for this ridiculous and illegal war for months and months and months and not listening to their constituents," said Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, who brought the resolution. Rep. Ashley Hinson, a GOP Senate nominee, wrote on Monday that "Iowans are being squeezed and shouldn't have to foot the bill at the pump or the checkout line for the war in Iran," per the Hill.
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