Senate narrowly rejects bill to curb Trump’s Iran war powers

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A Democratic proposal seeking to stop military action in Iran without explicit authorization from Congress was narrowly defeated by the Senate on Thursday.

Lawmakers voted 50 to 49 against the measure, which previously passed the House of Representatives in July.

The vote split largely along party lines, with almost all Democrats in favor and most Republicans aligned with President Donald Trump opposing the resolution.

Just a handful of Republicans joined Democrats in favor of the resolution: Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote no.

This was the 14th time the Senate has considered a war powers resolution, since Trump launched the conflict on Feb. 28.

Congressional Republicans have largely avoided directly confronting Trump over the war, which has now stretched past the seven-month mark. However, their unease is surfacing as stubbornly high fuel prices create a financial crunch for voters back home.

Diesel costs, in particular, have nearly doubled, surpassing $6 a gallon, according to AAA.

Fresh off a campaign tour through Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska stumping for GOP candidates who suddenly face risky elections, Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana called on Trump to deliver a prime-time address to the nation to explain the strategy for the Iran war and its endgame.

"People are confused about the war and upset about the cost of living," he said.

Yet he and other lawmakers remain unwilling to vote against the war effort.

"My own view is that the focus right now needs to be on attacking the cost of living issues," said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who opposes the war powers resolution and believes the president is acting within his authority to conduct the military action.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries scoffed at the small group of Republicans attempting to distance themselves from what he characterized as Trump's failed economy. "Now all of a sudden they’re waking up," he said.