The Senate on Wednesday advanced legislation aimed at limiting President Trump’s ability to wage war against Iran, paving the way for a final vote as eight Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution.
The resolution would require Trump to remove US troops engaged in hostilities against Iran unless Congress declared war or passed a specific authorization for the use of military force.
The vote was 51-45 on a motion to proceed to a final vote, expected later Wednesday or on Thursday.
Republican opponents, including Trump, said passage would send the wrong message to Tehran.
“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,” Trump wrote on Twitter.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the resolution abused the War Powers Act because that law was intended to prevent the deployment of thousands of troops into sustained combat without congressional authorization.
Supporters disagreed.
“We don’t send a message of weakness when we stand up for the rule of law,” Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, a lead sponsor of the measure, told a news conference with Republicans Mike Lee and Susan Collins and Democrat Richard Durbin.
“That’s a message of strength and it especially speaks to people around the world who are in the streets protesting … because they want the rule of law,” Kaine said.
Calling himself a “huge fan” of Trump’s foreign policy, Lee said the resolution supported Trump’s goal of limiting military action.