Eight Republicans in the U.S. Senate crossed over and voted with the Democratic minority to support a Joint Resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Essentially, this action seeks to limit President Donald Trump from ordering future strikes against Iran without first seeking Congress’s explicit permission. Democrats have sought to restrain President Trump’s powers following the strike that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) sponsored the measure that passed in a 51-45-4 vote Thursday. Republican Senators Rand Paul, Mike Lee, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Jerry Moran, Lamar Alexander, Bill Cassidy and Todd Young voted to approve the action, while Democrats Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, and Michael Bennet did not cast a vote.
Mississippi Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, both Republicans, voted against the resolution, S.J. Res. 68, which would prohibit military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In a statement, Sen. Wicker said, “Peace is best achieved through strength. Tying the President’s hands would be the wrong move especially with heightened tensions across the Middle East. At this pivotal moment, the President needs the ability to act quickly and not to be micromanaged by Congress.”
President Trump is expected to veto the measure if it makes its way to his desk. The U.S. House has not acted on the resolution as of yet, but it is expected to pass as Democrats hold the majority under Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Neither chamber would appear to have the votes to override a Presidential veto.
Frank Corder
