Four GOP senators join Democrats on failed Iran war vote

Four Republicans back the resolution

Four Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting a war powers resolution during the Sept. 24 Senate vote. The measure failed, leaving President Donald Trump’s authority over the nearly eight-month conflict unchanged.

Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky had previously backed Democratic efforts to limit that authority. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is retiring at the end of the year, joined them this time.

Tillis said Congress deserved an update after the administration again passed a 60-day deadline for involving lawmakers. He also said congressional participation could assist the war effort if the administration kept lawmakers informed.

The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, had passed the House with support from seven Republicans. Senate approval would have sent it to Trump’s desk, but supporters did not have enough votes to override a veto.

Fuel prices add pressure

The vote came as rising gasoline and diesel prices became a growing political concern. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota acknowledged frustration over fuel costs and called on the administration to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and shipping routes to improve the global energy supply.

Trump dismissed concerns about the war’s effect on the midterm elections. He predicted the conflict would end after the elections and that gasoline prices would decline.

Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa, former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan and Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio separately called for an immediate end to the fighting while campaigning for closely contested seats.

What the vote changes

Because the Senate resolution failed, it will not reach Trump’s desk. The vote nevertheless recorded bipartisan support for greater congressional involvement in decisions about the Iran conflict.