The US Senate rejected a Trump Iran war powers measure by 47 votes to 48. As a result, they blocked a resolution from advancing to a floor vote. Meanwhile, the White House pursues a framework agreement with Tehran.
The vote concerned a motion to bring the Iran-related war powers resolution out of committee, CBS News reported.
Four Republicans backed the motion: Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to vote against advancing the measure.
The vote came as lawmakers sought more details on an unreleased US-Iran framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict.
Under the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, any agreement involving Iran’s nuclear programme must be submitted to Congress for review. Only then can sanctions be lifted.
Read: Senate Backs Trump On Iran War Powers Resolution
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, told reporters on June 16 that he had requested the agreement text. In addition, he requested an administrative briefing.
The House earlier approved a separate measure seeking to compel Trump to end the Iran war without congressional authorisation. However, the Senate has not yet considered that proposal.
The Trump administration argues that the 1973 War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional. It also says the 60-day limit on unauthorised force was suspended by an early April ceasefire. Nevertheless, there have been continued exchanges of attacks between the two sides.
