Senate War Powers Resolution Falls One Vote Short

The Senate on Tuesday rejected a war powers resolution that would have halted U.S. military action against Iran. The vote was 47-48, four short of the 51 needed if all senators were present. Four Republicans joined most Democrats in backing the measure. Republican senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana voted in favor.

Background on repeated efforts The vote marked the ninth attempt by senators to advance a resolution ending the conflict that the U.S. and Israel launched against Iran over its nuclear program. The Senate has followed a pattern of falling one vote short on each attempt.

Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia has led the party’s push to require congressional authorization before any resumption of strikes. He said Congress should remain involved while negotiations continue.

House action and future votes The House approved its own war powers resolution earlier this month after a small number of Republicans joined Democrats. Senators are also discussing whether any final agreement with Iran on its nuclear program would require a congressional vote under procedures established by the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act.

Kaine said he plans to continue introducing similar measures on a near-weekly basis. No administration briefing on the emerging Iran deal has been scheduled before Friday’s planned deadline for the two sides to sign an agreement.