Senate defeats 7th attempt to limit Trump's Iran war powers, despite new GOP defection
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- The Senate narrowly rejected a Democratic-led resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's military authority against Iran, with a 49-50 vote; three Republicans joined most Democrats in support, while one Democrat opposed.
- Senator Lisa Murkowski shifted her position to support advancing the resolution, citing a lack of clarity from the administration after the 60-day War Powers Resolution window passed.
- The resolution sought to require the president to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress explicitly authorized military action, challenging the administration's claim that hostilities had ended with an April 7 ceasefire.
- Republicans, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, argued the 60-day War Powers clock was no longer applicable due to the ceasefire, while Democrats expressed skepticism and concern about ongoing military engagement.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged unity behind the president during his overseas trip to China, highlighting political pressures influencing Republican senators' reluctance to oppose Trump openly.