Senate advances resolution to limit U.S. forces in Iran war powers

The Senate advanced legislation on Tuesday aimed at forcing President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, marking a significant procedural step after seven previous attempts had failed. The 50-47 vote to move the war powers resolution forward saw a small but crucial number of Republican senators join nearly all Democrats.

The resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, would direct the president to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress authorizes the use of military force. The vote followed a U.S. military action ordered by President Trump against Iran at the end of February.

Republican Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who had supported similar measures in the past, voted in favor. They were joined by Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who provided the decisive vote. Cassidy had just lost his primary election over the weekend after President Trump endorsed his opponent. In a statement following his loss, Cassidy said he was proud of his work to uphold the Constitution and would carefully consider his votes on administration...