After Months of Failed Votes, Senate Finally Advances Iran War Powers Resolution

The Senate advanced legislation toward a final vote after months of failed attempts to pass Democratic war powers resolutions aimed at ending President Donald Trump’s assault on Iran. Sen. Bill Cassidy joined three other Republicans and all Democrats but one for a 50-47 vote on a motion to discharge Sen. Tim Kaine’s bill from committee. Cassidy cited concerns that the White House and Pentagon had left Congress uninformed about Operation Epic Fury. The operation began February 28 without congressional authorization and in violation of the United Nations Charter. The White House claimed the conflict ended after a ceasefire, but a naval blockade continued and Iran continued restricting ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) joined three other Republicans and all Democrats but one for the 50-47 vote on a motion to discharge Sen. Tim Kaine's (D-Va.) bill from committee. Cassidy's move notably came just days after he lost a primary race in which Trump backed one of his challengers - apparent retribution for the senator voting to convict Trump following his historic second impeachment."

""While I support the administration's efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, the White House and Pentagon have left Congress in the dark on Operation Epic Fury," Cassidy said on social media Tuesday. "In Louisiana, I've heard from people, including President Trump's supporters, who are concerned about this war. Until the administration provides clarity, no congressional authorization or extension can be justified.""

"The US and Israel launched the operation on February 28, without authorization from Congress and in violation of the United Nations Charter. Faced with a key deadline under the War Powers Act earlier this month, the White House claimed the conflict had been "terminated" due to a ceasefire agreement reached hours after Trump's genocidal threat against Iran on April 7. However, the president has maintained a naval blockade, and Iran has continued to limit ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz."

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