US Senate to vote on resolution limiting Trump’s military powers in Iran

The US Senate is scheduled to vote on March 4 on a resolution that would restrict President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct military operations in Iran without congressional approval.

The resolution, co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, seeks to rein in the president’s war powers and represents a significant test of loyalty for some members of the GOP’s far-right flank, who have long supported Trump’s promise to keep America out of foreign wars, Caliber.Az reports via CNN.

“Everybody’s got to declare whether they’re for this war or against it,” Kaine said. “Nobody gets to hide and give the president an easy pass or an end-run around the Constitution.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said on March 3 that he left a classified briefing with administration officials “more concerned than reassured.”

“If the case for war were strong, it would be consistent,” Schumer said. “Instead, the rationales change by the hour.”

Despite the urgency, the Senate resolution and a similar bill being considered in the House face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled Congress, making their passage uncertain.

By Sabina Mammadli