WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate moved forward Tuesday with legislation designed to compel President Donald Trump to end military involvement in Iran, with an increasing number of Republicans breaking ranks with the president’s position.
Following Trump’s decision to launch military action against Iran in late February, Democrats have repeatedly brought forward war powers measures requiring the president to either secure congressional authorization for the conflict or pull back U.S. forces. While Republicans had previously managed to block these initiatives, Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy — coming off a recent primary defeat where Trump backed his challenger — changed his vote to provide key support for moving the bill forward.
The narrow 50-47 margin highlighted the small yet significant group of Republicans backing efforts to end the Iranian conflict. While the measure will proceed to a final vote, the schedule remains uncertain. Several Republican senators were absent Tuesday, and their opposition could potentially sink the legislation if they maintain their current position on the war.
The vote nevertheless revealed growing Republican concerns about a conflict currently under a tenuous ceasefire that has contributed to increased fuel costs across the country.
Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska had all supported comparable war powers measures before and cast similar votes Tuesday. Cassidy backed the legislation for the first time.
Following his primary defeat last week, Cassidy came back to Washington stating he took pride in his constitutional duties and would thoroughly weigh his positions on various Trump administration priorities.
