WASHINGTON, June 25 (DC Times Online) — The Senate rejected Tim Kaine’s Iran war powers resolution on Wednesday, blocking an effort to force President Donald Trump to pull U.S. forces out of hostilities involving Iran unless Congress approved more action.
The vote was 50-47. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted present, while Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted yes and Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted no. Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania did not vote.
Kaine’s measure, led by the Virginia Democrat, would have directed Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless lawmakers authorized further military action. It followed an earlier procedural vote last month that advanced the resolution 50-47.
The Senate had already passed a separate House-passed Iran resolution by 50-48 on Tuesday. Earlier this month, the House passed a similar measure, giving Congress a second chance to weigh in on Trump’s authority over Iran.
The vote came after Trump met behind closed doors with Senate Republicans at lunch and criticized the earlier Iran vote. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana later said Trump “raised his voice” and that “I lost my temper.”
CBS News reported that Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso helped line up support with key Republicans, according to a person familiar with the talks. After the vote, Trump posted on Truth Social that it “puts Iran on notice.”
