Senate Republicans handed President Trump a win on his use of force in Iran amid concerns surrounding America’s involvement in the conflict.
The Senate shot down a resolution from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions.
The administration pushed hard to lobby support for Operation Epic Fury, holding several briefings with Congress to make its case. It appeared to work, at least for now, convincing some Republicans on the fence to back continued military action in Iran.
The lone Republican was Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who voted in favor of the resolution, while Sen. Jon Fetterman, D-Pa., was the lone Democrat to cross the aisle in support.
Democrats argued Trump’s actions was another instance of him disregarding Congress’ authority to use military force, lacking clear strategy, accusing him of breaking another campaign promise.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., noted that it was Kaine’s fifth resolution to rein in Trump’s war powers since he returned to office last year, which accounts for nearly half of all war powers resolutions put forward in U.S. history.
"These resolutions have been used only 11 times in 50 years," Barrasso said. "The senator from Virginia alone accounts for nearly half of them. Yet Senator Kaine introduced zero war powers resolutions when Barack Obama and Joe Biden were president." Barrasso said.
Secretary of State, Marco Rubio told reporters Tuesday, following a briefing with every Senator, the administration has complied with the War Powers Act, though it believes the law is unconstitutional and noted congressional leaders had been notified of the strikes.