UMVA has learned that Senate Republicans have once again thwarted an attempt to limit President Trump's war authority in Iran, as a fragile peace deal begins to take shape.
The latest war-powers resolution, introduced by Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., failed to gain traction, despite a similar effort advancing in the Senate last month with bipartisan support. This development comes on the heels of Trump signing a memorandum of understanding with the Iranian government, potentially paving the way for an end to the war.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a leading voice in the Democrats' war powers efforts, expressed concern that the U.S. and Iran are headed for an "intermission" in fighting, with both sides working out the final details of a longer peace deal. Kaine argued that this interlude presents an opportunity for Congress to fulfill its constitutional obligations and provide input on the war.
Despite some Senate Republicans joining Democrats to vote for the resolution, absences on both sides of the aisle helped the GOP block the measure. Senate Foreign Relations Chair James Risch, R-Idaho, claimed that Democrats' war powers efforts would effectively aid Iran, and that passing the resolution would scuttle any forthcoming peace deal.
Meanwhile, Congress remains in the dark about the details of the deal, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., saying he has not been briefed on the matter. Thune expressed uncertainty about whether it's normal for lawmakers to request briefings from the administration on such matters.
Some Democrats, however, are expressing concerns that the deal appears to favor Iran more than the U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., described the deal as "essentially a surrender," but acknowledged that it may be the only way to end the war and prevent further loss of life.
