Congress approves a bipartisan measure to limit President Trump's authority to launch military operations against Iran. The president has promised to veto the resolution.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., left, and ranking member Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, talk during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing in Washington, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testifies.
The resolution, sponsored Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., declares that Trump must win approval from Congress before engaging in further military action against Iran. Kaine and other supporters say the measure is not about Trump or even the presidency, but instead is an important reassertion of congressional power to declare war.
While tensions with Iran have abated since a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran’s top general in early January, the resolution clarifying Congress’ power to declare war is still important, Engel said. “It orders the president to terminate hostilities against Iran. The problem is, for the other side, we are not engaged in hostilities in Iran,″ McCaul said.
The Democratic-controlled House passed a separate, nonbinding resolution on Iran in January, a few weeks before the Senate approved Kaine’s resolution. Two-thirds votes in the House and the GOP-run Senate would be needed to override an expected Trump veto.
“Iran has a long history of attacking United States and coalition forces both directly and through its proxies,” the White House said, adding the congressional resolution could hinder Trump’s ability to protect U.S. forces and interests in the region.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump says he will discuss a possible payroll tax cut with CongressPresident Trump said his administration will discuss a possible payroll tax cut with the U.S. Senate to respond to the outbreak of coronavirus.
Read more »
Federal health officials would like Trump to stop shaking handsA source close to the coronavirus task force said President Donald Trump's continued hand shaking has worried some federal health officials who wish he would stop until medical experts have more confidence he won't contract the virus.
Read more »