US Senate Rejects Democrat Resolution to Draw American Troops From Iran

The resolution, similar to other initiatives presented by the Democrats in recent weeks, was voted by 49 votes for and 50 against. Among those who voted in favour were three Republican senators.

For the first time since the beginning of the conflict, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted in favour of withdrawing American troops from involvement in confronting Iran. After the vote, it declared for “Punchbowl News” that a clearer information from the administration regarding the situation on the ground was expected, but this did not happen, Panorama reports. Periscope.

According to the American Constitution, Congress alone has the right to declare war. The Democrats are seeking to reaffirm the legislative role in the face of President Trump's executive power in military affairs.

The current law allows the president to take military action in case of immediate threats, but requires that within 60 days he ensures the approval of Congress.

The Democrats claim this deadline has been exceeded, while Trump has argued that because of the ceasefire with Iran, the conflict is considered complete. On the other hand, they oppose this stance, stressing that American forces continue to be present in the region.

Republicans had earlier declared that after the legal deadline was completed, they would demand that the administration receive Congress's approval for any further military action. In today's vote, however, only three republican senators joined the Democrats.

Democrat Senator Jeff Merkley, one of the founders of the initiative, stated that many Republican colleagues feel uncomfortable both with the current situation and with opposition to President Trump.

Meanwhile, Democrat Senator Tim Kaine said the Democrats will continue to present similar resolutions every week until the Senate declares that the United States should not be involved in war, adding that such a decision will come soon. /Periscope/