US Senate Democrats block defence bill over Iran war, Israel integration

The US Senate has passed a war powers resolution aimed at halting President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran and requiring congressional approval for future actions. This marks the first time such a resolution has passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The vote was 50 to 48, with four Republicans joining most Democrats to approve the measure, despite Republican control of the Senate. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump's actions as a "historic blunder." The resolution is expected to face a presidential veto. Critics argue the resolution could undermine ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Iran, while supporters see it as a demonstration of growing congressional opposition to the president's use of military force.

Senate Republicans rejected a war powers resolution concerning Iran late Wednesday, hours after President Trump berated GOP senators for previously allowing a vote to block his actions. Trump reportedly engaged in a heated exchange with Senator Bill Cassidy, who had voted with Democrats on the prior measure. Following a White House briefing, Cassidy and Senator Rand Paul switched their votes, leading to the resolution's failure by a vote of 47-50-1. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated Trump was pleased with the outcome. The rejected resolution, like a similar one passed Tuesday, was largely symbolic and did not carry the force of law.

Congress has passed a war powers measure, a concurrent resolution, for the first time since 1973, rebuking President Trump's war with Iran. This largely symbolic vote expresses Congress's sentiment and adds pressure on the White House to end the conflict. The House of Representatives previously approved the measure, with four Republicans joining Democrats. While the resolution is not legally binding, it reflects public sentiment, particularly after a spike in petrol prices. A White House official stated that with a ceasefire in place, there are no hostilities to withdraw from and attributed the measure's passage partly to the absence of two Republican senators.

The US Senate has approved a war powers resolution, directing President Trump to halt military action against Iran or seek congressional approval for further engagement. The measure passed 50-48, with four Republicans joining the majority of Democrats in voting for it. This vote, mirroring a similar one in the House, reflects growing unease with the unpopular conflict. The resolution mandates the removal of US forces unless explicitly authorized by Congress, though it allows for a limited presence to prevent imminent attacks. While technically requiring explicit congressional approval for future strikes, experts suggest the resolution is largely symbolic and may not legally compel the administration to change its course, potentially impacting ongoing negotiations.

The White House has requested $87.6 billion in new funding, with $67.1 billion designated for costs associated with the conflict with Iran, including $21 billion for munitions. This request comes amid a congressional logjam, partly due to President Trump's demand for new voting restrictions. Top Democrats, like Senator Patty Murray, have signaled opposition to funding the Iran conflict, which was initiated without congressional authorization and is reportedly unpopular. The request also includes funds for Ebola response in the DRC and aid for US farmers. The White House's broader budget proposals have also faced skepticism.

President Trump has requested $87 billion from Congress, primarily for "urgent" costs related to Iran, according to a White House budget office letter. The funds are intended to "rebuild stocks" following military strikes, despite a current ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. This request faces significant opposition, as lawmakers recently rebuked Trump's military actions by passing a resolution to restrict his war powers. Republicans in Congress have also expressed skepticism about a peace plan Trump agreed to with Iran. The President reportedly had a tense meeting with Senate Republicans, where he complained about the war powers vote, which was the first of its kind to pass Congress.