U.S. Senate rejects new resolution to limit presidential authority on military operations against Iran

Washington, Sept. 24 (KUNA) — The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a resolution on Thursday aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s war powers regarding Iran. According to CBS, the vote ended 49 to 50, despite four Republicans joining Democrats in voting to proceed with the proposed measure. The resolution, which failed to pass the Senate, would not have required the President’s signature or been subject to his veto, as it had already secured a majority in the House of Representatives in July with a vote of 214 to 208. Had it passed, the resolution would have directed the President to “withdraw U.S. armed forces from any military action against Iran, or any part of its government or military, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force.” The War Powers Act of 1973 allows Congress to direct the President to withdraw forces through a concurrent resolution of both chambers, but successive administrations from both parties have argued for decades that this process is unconstitutional and cannot bind the President. This vote represents what is expected to be the last opportunity to debate war powers before the midterm elections. Democrats have pushed for more than 12 votes on efforts to restrict the President’s war powers regarding military operations against Iran since they began in late February. (End) R.S.R. / F.A.S.