On February 4 (local time), Republican senators voted down a war powers resolution that would have required President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from Iran. The resolution also would have mandated that President Trump explain to Congress before taking further military action.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) forced a vote on the war powers resolution, the first of its kind since a similar measure was rejected by the Senate in June last year after the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities, according to The Just the News.

The vote came shortly after Israel, backed by the U.S., reportedly carried out airstrikes in Iran over the weekend, eliminating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran, in retaliation, launched missiles at Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

According to The Hill, the motion to advance the resolution in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was rejected by a vote of 47-53.

Among Republicans, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), who has consistently opposed deploying U.S. troops in foreign conflicts, cast a favorable vote for the resolution to pass.

Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), both facing difficult re-elections, voted to block the resolution, though both expressed concerns about the military operation.

Among Democrats, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) was the only one to vote in favor of blocking the bill. He has been an open advocate for the use of military force for Israel's self-defense.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) framed the vote beforehand as "a question of whether senators are ready to put your sons and daughters in harm's way."

He argued, "The last thing the American people want or need is another war in the Middle East."

Senate Republican Leader John Thune (R-SD) told reporters, "I think the President has the authority that he needs to conduct the activities and operations that are ongoing there," adding, "The President is doing what he believes is in the best interest of the country and national security interests by protecting Americans and our military bases and facilities in that region."

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) argued that the resolution was "unconstitutional."

He called attempts by Congress to limit President Trump's authority to launch preemptive strikes "disgraceful," stating, "This is an unconstitutional act to transfer the powers of the Commander in Chief to Congress."

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, U.S. presidents can deploy U.S. forces into hostilities abroad without the consent of Congress in "any national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces," provided that the deployment does not exceed 60 days.

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Reporter of NNP USA / Special Contribution NNP info@newsandpost.com