Senate Republicans on Wednesday voted to shut down a Democratic proposal aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran, marking the latest failed attempt to force a congressional check on the ongoing conflict.

The measure, introduced under the War Powers framework, sought to prevent further U.S. military involvement, but it was defeated as Republicans again stood together to oppose it. According to The Hill, this is the fifth time GOP lawmakers have rejected similar efforts to halt or restrict the administration’s actions in the weeks-long confrontation.

The chamber voted 46-51 against advancing the resolution from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Rand Paul was the only Republican to break with his party and support moving the measure forward, while John Fetterman stood alone among Democrats in opposing it.

Leading the push for the resolution, Tammy Baldwin reiterated Democratic concerns during debate, arguing that Trump had campaigned on avoiding new overseas conflicts. Drawing parallels to past wars, she said, “In both wars, we had zero plans for the days to come and failed to outline our specific goals. In both wars, we had zero strategy to get out. And in both wars, we had servicemembers dying overseas for a cause that Americans did not support,” Baldwin said, comparing the current conflict to the Iraq war.

Lawmakers also pointed to public opinion data discussed during the debate. A Reuters/Ipsos poll cited in the proceedings indicated that just 36 percent of Americans support the strikes on Iran, according to The Hill.

Opposition to the resolution was led by Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who argued that repeated votes on the issue have already settled the matter. He told colleagues, “We’ve been through these votes before. We’ve been through these votes recently and nothing has occurred in the makeup of this body or in the situation in Iran or the Middle East to materially change since the last time we voted on this matter,” Wicker said.

He further warned that approving the proposal would be “unwise,” according to The Hill.

The outcome highlights the sharp divide in Washington over the president’s authority to carry out military operations in Iran, with Republicans largely supporting the administration’s approach and Democrats cautioning against a prolonged engagement without explicit approval from Congress.

{Matzav.com}