Although the proposal was not adopted, it was closer to passage than before because three Republican senators also voted for it.
This is the seventh time this year that Republicans in the Senate have stopped a similar measure, writes Reuters.
The Senate rejected further consideration of the resolution by a vote of 50 against and 49 in favor, and the vote was mostly divided along party lines. Three Republicans, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, supported the Democrats and voted for the proposal.
On the other hand, Democrat John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted along with Republicans to block the resolution. The proposal was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon.
It was the first Senate vote since the 60-day deadline the War Powers Act gives the president to conduct military operations without congressional approval expired on May 1.
Under that 1973 law, which was enacted after the experiences of the Vietnam War, the president can conduct military action for up to 60 days before having to end it, seek congressional approval, or request a 30-day extension due to “imminent military necessity.”
President Donald Trump after that deadline declared that the conflict with Iran is “over” with the ceasefire reached.
Democrats dispute Trump’s claim that the deadline no longer applies because of the ceasefire, saying the conflict is still ongoing.
“There has been no cessation of hostilities,” Senator Merkley told reporters before the vote.
On that occasion, he mentioned the American blockade of Iranian ports and attacks on Iranian ships, as well as the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on American ships and tankers.
“Both sides are still engaged in hostilities, and for that reason I do not accept the claim that the 60-day deadline has been set aside,” he added.
Merkley and other Democratic senators have announced they plan to file a new war powers resolution as early as next week, and will do so every week until the war ends or Trump seeks congressional approval.
Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced similar resolutions, but they were also blocked by Republicans.
Democrats are urging Trump to turn to Congress to authorize the use of military force, recalling that under the US Constitution, Congress, not the president, has the power to declare war. They also warn that Trump may have led the country into a protracted conflict without a clear strategy.
On the other hand, Republicans and the White House argue that Trump’s moves are legal and in line with his authority as commander in chief to protect the US by ordering limited military operations.
Some Republicans in Congress have accused Democrats of filing the war powers resolutions solely because of political opposition to Trump.
(Vijesti.ba)
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