Senate GOP gets back in line with Trump over the Iran war
Key takeaways
- Rand Paul, who has voted with Democrats for similar resolutions in the past, said in a statement shortly before the vote that he would vote present, rather than no, to avoid jeopardizing the negotiations.
- Since hostilities seem to be over and the President asked me to give consideration to his negotiating position, I will do so, Paul said.
- Earlier Wednesday, Senate Republicans heard Trump s defense of the military conflict in Iran.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
The resolution would have been Congress way to reassert its power to declare war and directed President Trump to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.
Sen. Rand Paul, who has voted with Democrats for similar resolutions in the past, said in a statement shortly before the vote that he would vote present, rather than no, to avoid jeopardizing the negotiations.
Since hostilities seem to be over and the President asked me to give consideration to his negotiating position, I will do so, Paul said. My vote of present is a way to give the President more space and leverage to negotiate a lasting peace.