US Senate Advances Iran War Resolution for First Time
The US Senate voted 50-47 on Tuesday to move forward a resolution. It would force President Trump to end the war with Iran or get approval from Congress.
Four Republicans voted with Democrats to support it. They were Senators Bill Cassidy, Rand Paul, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.
Three Republican senators were absent and that tipped the balance. This is the first time the Senate has moved the resolution forward.
It was the eighth attempt since the conflict began in February. The war has gone past the 60-day limit under the War Powers Act.
That law requires the president to get Congress to approve military action within 60 days. But even if the full resolution passes the Senate it still faces the Republican-controlled House. Trump would also almost certainly reject it.
Key Terms 4
- Resolution A formal decision voted on by Congress
- War Powers Act US law limiting how long a president can wage war without Congress approval
- Congressional authorization Official approval from the US Congress to take action
- Veto When the president officially rejects a law passed by Congress