US Senate Clears 50-47 Procedural Vote on Resolution to Restrain Trump’s Iran Military Action

The US Senate has approved a procedural motion on a resolution aimed at restraining President Donald Trump’s military action against Iran.

Bloomberg reported on May 19 that the Senate voted 50-47 to advance a War Powers Resolution calling for a halt to military operations against Iran.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy joined Democrats in supporting the measure. Cassidy is known for having clashed with Trump during the Republican primary.

The vote was not a final passage. It was a procedural step to determine whether the full Senate can proceed to a vote on the resolution. Even if the measure passes the Senate, it would still need to clear the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Trump would then have to sign it or veto it.

The resolution calls for an end to ongoing military operations against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. It is based on the War Powers Act of 1973.

The vote came as public opinion in the US has deteriorated. A New York Times-Siena College poll found that 64% of Americans said a war with Iran was “the wrong decision.”

Trump said on May 19 that he had postponed additional airstrikes that had been planned at the request of US allies in the Middle East. He added that another powerful attack could follow if Iran does not agree to a deal.