The US Senate rejected an attempt to limit Donald Trump's military actions against Iran
The US Senate rejected an attempt to push through a legislative initiative that would have limited President Donald Trump's further military action against Iran. The initiative received significant support from Democrats but failed to garner enough votes, Axios reports.
The resolution, in accordance with the War Powers Act, would have strengthened congressional control over the use of military force. Forty-seven senators voted in favour of the resolution, while 53 voted against it.
The only Republican to support the Democrats was Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. At the same time, the only Democrat to vote against the resolution was Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
The vote took place after several days of closed-door briefings on Capitol Hill with representatives of Donald Trump's administration. During these briefings, lawmakers from both parties asked questions about the duration of the American operation against Iran.
The Republican Party leadership supported the president's military action against Iran. The party claims that the pre-emptive strike was justified due to the immediate threat to US national security.
The Democrats, for their part, expressed hope that some moderate Republicans would support the initiative. They stressed that the president cannot unilaterally start a war with Iran without the consent of Congress.
Republican senators whom Democrats considered potential allies, including Todd Young of Indiana, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, ultimately voted against the resolution.
Democrats said they were considering other options to force Republicans to publicly declare their support for war against Iran. In particular, the Senate plans to initiate a vote on formal authorisation to use military force.
