Senate Rejects War Powers Limits on Trump for Fourth Time in Iran Conflict

The Senate rejected war powers resolutions four times since the conflict began.

“Washington, DC – A resolution to rein in US President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war with Iran has failed for the fourth time in the US Senate, where lawmakers have pledged to introduce the measure weekly”

Al Jazeera

The War Powers Act requires withdrawal within 60 days unless Congress authorizes.

Al Jazeera

The Iran campaign began on February 28, making the deadline approach by end of April.

Votes failed largely along party lines, with Rand Paul the lone Republican joining Democrats.

The Trump administration argues the strikes do not amount to a declaration of war.

Democrats counter that no evidence of an imminent threat was presented.

Republicans have largely rallied around Trump.

House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford said we would not be here if not for Trump.

Al-Hurra

Some Republicans are increasingly uneasy.

Senator Lisa Murkowski said Congress should draft an authorization of force.

The death toll in the Middle East has climbed to nearly 6,000 people.

The Trump administration offered a carousel of explanations for going to war.

“Senate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votes President Donald Trump took the United States to war without a vote of support from Congress, but lawmakers are increasingly questioning when, how and at what cost the war with Iran will come to an end”

AP News

The administration argued the strikes do not amount to a declaration of war.

Democrats accused the administration of offering shifting justifications.

Senator Tim Kaine said Congress bears a constitutional responsibility.

The War Powers Act's 60-day clock is rapidly running down.

The legal deadline is expected to arrive by May 1.

Ash-Sharq al-Awsat

The success of any resolution would be largely symbolic.

It forces lawmakers to record their positions publicly.