Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution to Withdraw Troops from Iran

On Tuesday, the Senate did not advance a war powers resolution that aimed to compel President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from military actions against Iran.

The final vote was 47-48, rejecting a motion from Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia to bring the resolution from the Foreign Relations Committee to the floor. Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, voted alongside the majority of Republicans against the resolution. Notably, Republican Senators Bill Cassidy from Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul from Kentucky supported advancing the resolution.

Five senators were absent from the vote. Those included Republican Senators Josh Hawley from Missouri and Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, as well as Democrats Michael Bennet from Colorado and Cory Booker from New Jersey.

Interestingly, four Republicans supported a similar motion by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia, which passed with a vote of 50-47. Cassidy had backed the resolution in May after losing his primary to Republican Julia Letlow, who received Trump’s endorsement.

The House of Representatives had previously passed a similar war powers resolution on June 3, with a vote count of 215 to 208. This resolution, introduced by Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks from New York, directs Trump to withdraw U.S. troops involved in hostilities against Iran unless it is to protect American forces and allies from an “imminent attack.”

Some Republicans, including Warren Davidson from Ohio, Thomas Massey from Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, and Tom Barrett from Michigan, sided with Democrats in favor of the resolution.

It’s worth noting that the House resolution functions as a concurrent resolution, meaning it is mostly symbolic, and President Trump is not legally required to comply. In contrast, a joint resolution like Warnock’s would necessitate Trump’s approval, which he would almost certainly veto.

For Senator Kaine’s resolution to progress, another Republican would need to back it. Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina, who is not seeking re-election, mentioned he might be open to supporting Warnock’s resolution and could be convinced to back Kaine’s as well.

In a related development, President Trump recently announced progress in diplomatic talks aimed at extending a ceasefire for 60 days and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, some lawmakers from both parties have expressed a desire for more details on this agreement, as it hasn’t been publicly disclosed, insisting that the Senate should have the final say on its implementation.