Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 War Powers Resolution Fails In Senate, Allowing Trump To Continue Iran Conflict
The Senate held a vote yesterday on a resolution that would block President Trump from using more military force against Iran without permission from Congress. The resolution was introduced by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia and co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. It called for the removal of U.S. forces from any hostilities with Iran that Congress has not officially authorized. The vote came days after the U.S. launched a major military operation against Iran over the weekend, which Trump said could last four to five weeks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer raised concerns about "mission creep," while Republican Senate leaders argued Trump acted within his legal authority. Even if passed in both chambers, Trump could simply veto the measure, and Democrats do not have the votes to override a veto.
2 US Sub Uses Torpedo To Sink Iranian Ship, The First Such Sinking Since WWII
A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday using a torpedo, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced yesterday. It is the first time since World War II that the U.S. has sunk an enemy ship by torpedo. The targeted vessel was the Soleimani, an Iranian warship named after Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. strike in 2020. The Defense Department released a periscope video of the attack.
3 Trade Court Judge Rules That Companies Are Entitled To Refunds On Tariffs
A federal judge has ruled that companies that paid tariffs later struck down by the Supreme Court are legally entitled to refunds. Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York issued the ruling in a case brought by Atmus Filtration, a Nashville company, and said importers have the right to benefit from the Supreme Court's February 20th decision. That ruling found President Trump did not have the legal authority to impose broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. A federal appeals court had also refused earlier in the week to delay the Supreme Court's decision, clearing the path for refunds to begin. Trade experts estimate the government could owe as much as $175 billion to businesses that paid those tariffs.