WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans voted down a resolution Wednesday pushed by Democrats to prohibit President Donald Trump from taking further military action in Iran.
The vote was 47-52, largely along party 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 was the latest instance of Republicans rejecting attempts to end the war or rein in Trump’s authority to act without congressional approval. While Trump has said for weeks he wants the war to wrap up soon, there is no clear end in sight.
The measure, offered by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., says: “Congress hereby 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."
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Despite the vote, some Republicans have indicated they will be less deferential to Trump once the war hits 60 days, which will come at the end of April. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires presidents to get congressional approval for military action that goes beyond 60 days.
“We’ve got to start answering questions,” Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said. “The 60-day target is what I’m looking at.”
Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, who is usually a reliable vote for Trump’s agenda, wrote in his local paper, 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 one is constitutional.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has also expressed misgivings about the Iran war and floated a resolution that would give Trump limited authorization to use military force.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., vowed to keep forcing votes on ending the Iran war, which are privileged and don’t require the consent of Republican leaders to get to the floor.
“We will bring these resolutions to the floor every week,” Schumer told reporters Tuesday. “Our troops deserve a mission, not a mess. 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% of Americans approve of the U.S. taking military action in Iran, while 60% disapprove. The survey found widespread disapproval and distrust of Trump’s handling of the situation.
Gas prices have risen since the war began, and the rising costs of diesel and fertilizer have driven economic concerns in the U.S. That has fueled fears of political fallout among Republicans, which could impact their votes on future war powers measures.
“I hope we’re getting closer to having this be over. I think we need an exit strategy that will bring down energy prices in this country, quickly. They’re very high. Very, very high,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said. “I heard about it constantly while I was at home. Gas prices in Missouri are a little bit cheaper than they are here, but they’re very expensive. And an exit strategy that will be good for our national security and preserve our security.”
Hawley said the 60-day window gives the president some latitude to take military action without Congress, adding: "We’re a few weeks off from that, but not too far.”
But other Republicans, like Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., say Trump can act without their approval for as long as he sees fit.
Johnson also signaled openness to a U.S. military ground presence, while saying it doesn’t need to be “massive.”
“If it requires some special ops to help the Iranian people take over their government, I wouldn’t be opposed to that,” he said. “Unconditional surrender, this regime has to be ended.”
