The Senate rejected a largely symbolic effort to halt the war in Iran on Thursday, the latest setback for congressional Democrats seeking to limit the Trump administration’s military campaign.
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The 50-to-49 vote marks the second such war powers resolution that has failed in the Senate over the last two weeks.
U.S. Central Command struck dozens of Iranian targets Wednesday night in retaliation for Iran’s attacks on American and allied military sites earlier this week. The tit-for-tat strikes represent the latest escalation in the Iran war, which has intensified after a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran faltered weeks ago.
Lawmakers from both parties have previously sought to limit the Trump administration’s airstrike campaign, but their efforts have failed to halt the fighting. In June, the House and Senate passed a war powers resolution intended to block the Pentagon from further strikes without the approval of lawmakers.
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The House passed another such measure last week.
President Donald Trump has argued that the votes do not carry the weight of law and has declined to abide by the resolutions.
Rep. Gregory Meeks (New York), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has said he intends to challenge the administration in court for what he argues is an attempt to circumvent the will of Congress.
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