The US Senate reversed the legislation to restrict President Trump’s capacity to impose war against Iran, rebukes the president following a strike against Iranian military leader and retaliation by Iran which escalated tensions among both nations.
The move, legalized by Senator Tim Kaine, says “Trump must win approval from Congress before engaging in further military action against Iran”. The resolution passed by a 55-45 vote as eight republicans backed up democrats.
Kaine and other followers clarified the resolution was not to target Trump or the presidency; rather it was an avowal of congressional authority to wage war.
Kaine said “must always have the ability to defend the United States from imminent attack, the executive power to initiate war stops there”, Kaine said. “An offensive war requires a congressional debate and vote”, while referring to Trump and other presidents.
The house majority leader Steny Hoyer said “The Democratic-controlled House passed a separate, nonbinding war powers resolution last month. The House could take up the Senate resolution later this month”.
Two-thirds majority is required to override an anticipated veto by the US President.
Kaine responded to criticism from Trump and his followers relating to the move as a sign of weakness to Iran saying “When we stand up for the rule of law – in a world that hungers for more rule of law – and says ‘this decision is fundamental, and we have rules that we are going to follow so we can make a good decision,’ that’s a message of strength”.
Republican senator Mike Lee assured to support Foreign policy by Trump administration but said congress cannot break away from constitutional responsibilities particularly on the matter of peace and war.
Lee said, “What the American people and the entire world will see from the debate we’re about to have in the Senate is that there is abundant support for the United States taking tough positions with regard to Iran”. “And as part of that, we want to make sure that any military action that needs to be authorized is in fact properly authorized by Congress. That doesn’t show weakness. That shows strength”.
Kaine said the congressional approval is meant for a specific purpose.
Added, “If we’re to order our young men and women … to risk their lives in war, it should be on the basis of careful deliberation by the people’s elected legislature and not on the say-so of any one person”.–Worldwide News