The U.S. Senate passed a resolution on Thursday to curb U.S. President Donald Trump’s ability to enact future U.S. military action against Iran without congressional approval.
The tally of the War Powers Resolution was 55-45.
Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) were the Republicans who voted in favor of the measure, which was introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) after the U.S. elimination on Jan. 3 of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
An amendment introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) commending Trump, in addition to both the U.S. military and intelligence community, for Soleimani’s demise passed 64-34. Ten Democrats joined all 53 Republicans in voting for it.
Trump has threatened to veto it.
“It is very important for our Country’s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution. We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness. Americans overwhelmingly support our attack on terrorist Soleimani,” tweeted Trump on Wednesday. “If my hands were tied, Iran would have a field day. Sends a very bad signal. The Democrats are only doing this as an attempt to embarrass the Republican Party. Don’t let it happen!”
….If my hands were tied, Iran would have a field day. Sends a very bad signal. The Democrats are only doing this as an attempt to embarrass the Republican Party. Don’t let it happen!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2020
A similar resolution passed the House last month, but Senate Republicans indicated they would only be interested in going ahead with Kaine’s version.