ISLAMABAD: The US Senate on Tuesday advanced a resolution to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military action against Iran without congressional approval, marking the first time Democrats have cleared such a procedural vote after seven failed attempts.
The joint resolution, introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and several other senators, directs the president to remove US armed forces from "hostilities within or against Iran" unless Congress formally authorizes military action through a declaration of war or a specific use-of-force authorization.
According to the text of the resolution, lawmakers argued that Congress alone has the constitutional authority to declare war under Article I of the US Constitution and that Congress has neither declared war on Iran nor approved military force against the country.
The Senate voted 50-47 to discharge the resolution from the Committee, with four Republican senators, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Bill Cassidy, joining most Democrats in backing the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against it, CBS News reported.
The resolution further states that military action against Iran, including the enforcement of a naval blockade, would constitute hostilities under the War Powers Resolution.
However, the measure includes provisions allowing the United States to defend itself against attacks, continue intelligence-sharing with allies, and assist partner countries targeted by Iran or its proxies through defensive support, according to the resolution.
Speaking before the vote, Kaine said Americans were increasingly opposed to another conflict in the Middle East.
"They are deeply opposed to this war," he told reporters, according to CBS News.
Kaine also linked the conflict to rising economic pressure on Americans, particularly fuel prices ahead of the Memorial Day holiday travel period.
"We’re coming up on Memorial Day. A lot of people do a lot of driving, they’re going to be paying a lot for gas," Kaine said, according to CBS News.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the vote showed growing Republican unease over the administration’s Iran policy.
“Momentum is building to check him,” Schumer said.
The resolution still has to pass a final vote and, even then, would face major obstacles in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which has already rejected similar efforts, and would almost certainly be vetoed by Trump if it reached his desk, AFP reported.
