US Senate REJECTS Iran war limits on Trump

Votes AGAINST blocking ‘further’ strikes without Congress’ approval

The U.S. Senate on Friday voted down a resolution to restrict President Trump from taking further military action against Iran without congressional approval. The vote was 47 to 53, with Republican Senator Rand Paul supporting the resolution and Democratic Senator John Fetterman opposing it. The resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, followed recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and aimed to require congressional authorization for further involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.

President Trump declared the strikes a success, claiming they had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program, though a classified assessment initially suggested only a short-term setback. Intelligence officials later stated the program had been "severely damaged" and would take years to rebuild. Some Democrats remain skeptical, accusing the administration of misleading the public and withholding details. Lawmakers expressed frustration at delayed briefings and discrepancies in reported intelligence.

Representative Jason Crow and Senator Chris Murphy questioned the administration's claims about the damage done to Iran’s capabilities, with Murphy saying there is still "significant capability" left. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the lack of transparency but stopped short of supporting impeachment. Representative Jim Himes noted there was no clear imminent threat to justify the strikes.

While some Republicans initially backed limiting presidential war powers, many have backed off, citing the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the resolution as unnecessary. Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended Trump's actions as constitutionally valid, echoing past precedent of presidents taking military action without congressional approval.

Senator Paul warned that the strikes, though tactically successful, could backfire by strengthening Iran's resolve. Kaine maintained that the decision to enter a conflict should rest with Congress and urged transparency and accountability. Despite growing concerns, legislative efforts to limit military actions appear unlikely to succeed in the current Republican-led Congress.

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