The United States Senate has narrowly defeated a resolution that would have ordered the withdrawal of US forces involved in the conflict with Iran. The decision was made after a Republican majority refused to limit President Donald Trump's military powers.
The resolution, similar to previous Democratic initiatives, was put to a vote and defeated by 49 votes to 50. Three Republican senators joined the vote in favor.
For the first time since the start of the debate on the conflict, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski supported the withdrawal of US troops from involvement in the confrontation with Iran. After the vote, she told Punchbowl News that the administration has not yet provided clear information on the situation on the ground.
Under the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the right to declare war. Democrats are seeking to reaffirm the role of lawmakers in the face of President Trump's powers in military matters.
Current law allows the president to take military action in the event of an immediate threat, but requires congressional approval within 60 days. Democrats claim that this deadline has been exceeded, while Trump argues that because of the ceasefire with Iran, the conflict is considered over. Democrats, on the other hand, emphasize that American troops continue to be present in the region.
Republicans had previously stated that after the legal deadline expired they would seek Congressional approval for any further military action, but in the final vote only three Republican senators joined the Democrats.
Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, one of the authors of the initiative, said that many Republicans feel uncertain about both the current situation and the opposition to President Trump. Meanwhile, Senator Tim Kaine stated that Democrats will continue to introduce similar resolutions every week until the Senate takes a clear position on US non-engagement in the war.
