US Senate Republicans on Friday blocked a Democratic resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to launch further military action against Iran, after US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites.
The resolution, which reaffirmed that congressional authorization is required before any new military engagement with Iran, was defeated in a 53-47 vote in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Republican lawmakers defended the president’s actions, citing what they described as an imminent threat posed by Iran.
“Of course, we can debate the scope and strategy of our military engagements,” said Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican. “But we must not shackle our president in the middle of a crisis when lives are on the line.”
Trump, when asked on Friday whether he would consider further strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, responded, “Sure, without question.”
Democrats had argued the measure was necessary to reassert congressional authority under the War Powers Resolution, a 1973 law requiring the president to consult with Congress “in every possible instance” before deploying US forces into hostilities.
In a letter to Congress earlier this week, Trump said last weekend’s strikes were “limited in scope and purpose” and aimed at minimizing casualties, deterring further attacks and avoiding broader escalation.
Despite the heightened tensions, White House officials said the US still expects to resume diplomatic talks with Iran, although no timeline has been set.
The resolution, which reaffirmed that congressional authorization is required before any new military engagement with Iran, was defeated in a 53-47 vote in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Republican lawmakers defended the president’s actions, citing what they described as an imminent threat posed by Iran.
“Of course, we can debate the scope and strategy of our military engagements,” said Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican. “But we must not shackle our president in the middle of a crisis when lives are on the line.”
Trump, when asked on Friday whether he would consider further strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, responded, “Sure, without question.”
Democrats had argued the measure was necessary to reassert congressional authority under the War Powers Resolution, a 1973 law requiring the president to consult with Congress “in every possible instance” before deploying US forces into hostilities.
In a letter to Congress earlier this week, Trump said last weekend’s strikes were “limited in scope and purpose” and aimed at minimizing casualties, deterring further attacks and avoiding broader escalation.
Despite the heightened tensions, White House officials said the US still expects to resume diplomatic talks with Iran, although no timeline has been set.
