The Senate narrowly rejected an effort Tuesday to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran without prior approval from Congress, preserving the White House’s flexibility to act in the escalating regional conflict.

Lawmakers backing the proposal sought to require the president to obtain explicit authorization from Congress before launching any additional military action involving Iran.

The measure failed by the slimmest of margins, with senators voting 48-47 against advancing the War Powers resolution for floor consideration. Democratic Senator John Fetterman crossed party lines and voted against the effort, providing the decisive vote. Meanwhile, Republican Senators Rand Paul, Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins broke with their party and joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.

Tuesday’s vote represented the Senate’s ninth consideration this year of legislation aimed at reining in presidential war powers related to Iran. Most of those initiatives have fallen short, although one proposal succeeded in clearing the chamber last month by a vote of 50-47.

The debate follows action in the House of Representatives earlier this month, where lawmakers approved legislation intended to restrict Trump’s authority to undertake military operations connected to the conflict with Iran.

That House vote came after three previous attempts to pass similar legislation had failed to gain enough support.

The measure ultimately passed the House by a 215-208 margin. Four Republicans — Representatives Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson — joined Democrats in backing the effort, voting against their party’s leadership on the issue.

{Matzav.com}