Senate Republicans on Tuesday rejected a new effort by Democrats to limit President Donald Trump on Iran, despite the worsening military and economic fallout from the nearly month-long war.
The vote — which failed 47-53 — was the third test of GOP support for the president’s actions, as oil prices rose and U.S. Public disillusionment is increasing With American military operations. And once again, all Republicans except one endorsed Trump, indicating the party’s continued willingness to give the commander-in-chief leeway.
Sen rand paul (R-Ky.) was the only GOP senator to support the measure, while Democratic senators. John Fetterman Pennsylvanians joined Republicans in rejecting it. The figure was similar to the previous two roll calls on Iran, including the vote six days earlier.
Opponents of the war received no GOP support, even as a Pentagon plan to deploy another 3,000 troops to the Middle East increases the likelihood that US troops will enter Iran. The US is also facing rising gas prices as Tehran has blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Trump has argued that the conflict will not last long and has begun discussions with Iran to end it. The president on Monday rescinded his threat to attack Iranian power plants for five days over energy infrastructure because of the two countries’ “productive talks.” Iranian officials have denied any negotiations.
Trump said Tuesday that Iran had given an energy-related gift, but gave no details. He suggested this would help diplomacy and show that “we are dealing with the right people.”
Democrats vowed to continue to force Republicans to participate in the war despite the failed vote, arguing that actions by the Trump administration would make it more difficult for officials to defend against what they consider the war’s end game.
“We should put them on the record,” the senator said. chris murphy (D-Conn.), sponsor of the War Powers Resolution. “The inconsistency is becoming more and more apparent every day. The costs to consumers are becoming larger and larger every day.”
Democrats, as part of their effort, want Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to agree to testify publicly on Iran. “It’s silly,” Murphy said. “We should have hearings in the Foreign Relations Committee on the real war that’s going on.”
GOP committee chairmen have largely objected to publicly questioning top administration officials on their plans for the war.
Many Republicans who have supported past efforts to rein in Trump on issues such as Venezuela — including senators — are at odds. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, susan collins and of main Todd Young of Indiana – chose to defy the President.
Before the vote, Young said he would like to see the war end quickly, but was concerned about forcing the administration to “impulsively and rapidly withdraw forces” from the conflict.
“The American people want this to end quickly, but they also want us to keep them safe,” Young said. “And I’m trying to reconcile those two different imperatives right now.”
The House will soon follow. minority leader Hakeem Jeffries He told reporters Tuesday that Democrats would bring their own measure to the House “sooner than later.”
The previous measure failed after many Democrats defected to Republicans, and Jeffries stressed that the party’s goal is to win the next vote.
“When we present something on stage, it is our determination to win,” he said.
Leo Shen and Daniela Cheslow contributed to this report.
