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Intel: Republican-held Senate sides against Trump on Iran war powers

The Republican-held Senate passed a resolution 55-45 today to constrain President Donald Trump from initiating offensive military action against Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the North Carolina Opportunity Now Summit at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S., February 7, 2020. REUTERS/Leah Millis - RC2VVE9FH59W

The Republican-held Senate passed a resolution 55-45 today to constrain President Donald Trump from initiating offensive military action against Iran, likely setting the stage for a White House veto. Eight Republicans joined forces with Democrats in a rebuke of Trump’s strike against Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani last month after a barrage of attacks on US forces and diplomatic facilities from Iran-backed Iraqi militias.

“With passage of this resolution, we sent a powerful message that we don’t support starting a war with Iran unless Congress votes that military action is necessary,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who introduced the resolution, in a statement after the vote.

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