The US Senate voted 50-48 in favor of a war powers resolution directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran. This vote is the latest rebuke of the Republican president from an increasingly restive Congress.

Constitutional Uncertainty

The 1973 War Powers Act, which the resolution is based on, has been questioned by the White House, which claims it is not constitutional. The act was enacted to provide a mechanism for ending military operations, but its constitutionality has not been fully settled.

Experts say the issue will likely be settled in the courts, as the executive branch will likely ignore the resolution on constitutional grounds. The resolution does not go to the White House for the president’s signature, which has led to questions about its enforceability.

The Senate vote was largely along party lines, with four Republicans joining all but one Democrat in favor. Two Republican senators did not vote.

Implications

The vote is seen as a setback for President Trump, who has enjoyed near-unanimous support from Republican members of Congress until recently. It also comes as the administration is expected to ask Congress to authorize tens of billions of dollars to pay for the war.

Democrats have promised additional votes on war powers measures, saying they want to force Republicans to go on the record about the war. The resolution had also passed the House with slim Republican support.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.