The US Senate, where Republicans have a majority, did not support a Democratic resolution on April 15 to end the war in Iran. The document provided for a halt to hostilities in the region until Congress grants them special authorization.
Reuters writes about this.
The resolution was supported by 47 senators, while 52 opposed it. This is the fourth attempt by Democrats since the start of the war to limit Trump's military powers in Iran through a Senate vote.
It is noted that all of these initiatives failed due to unanimous opposition from Republicans, among whom only Rand Paul from Kentucky supported it.
“Paul, who leans toward libertarian views and often speaks out against excessive military spending and for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, was the only Republican to vote for the resolution on the final vote. The only Democratic “no” was Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman. Republican Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia did not vote,” the report says.
Although the US Constitution specifies that the right to declare war belongs to Congress, not the president, leaders from both parties have long believed that this restriction does not apply to “short-term operations or if the country is under immediate threat.”
Democrats are therefore seeking to restore to Congress its constitutional right to declare war. They emphasize the need to stop US participation in a military operation in Iran, which, in their opinion, “could turn into a protracted conflict.”
“I urge my colleagues… to choose the path of peace before President Trump's war becomes irreversible,” said Senator Jack Reid of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, urging support for the vote.
Democratic leaders have vowed to continue introducing resolutions limiting military powers until the conflict ends or Congress formally approves them. The House of Representatives is expected to consider a similar initiative by the end of this week.
As the Associated Press explains, under the 1973 War Powers Act, Congress must either declare war or authorize the use of military force within 60 days of a conflict starting, which expires at the end of the month. In some cases, the document allows for an extension of 30 days, but senators are calling for a quicker end to the conflict.