Senate Rejects Iran War Powers Measure in 49-50 Vote
Was this a wise move to let the commander in chief finish the job or did Congress betray its constitutional duty?
Above: The U.S. Capitol Building. Image credit: J. David Ake/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This was another empty resolution and its defeat was a positive outcome. As commander in chief, Trump needs room to finish what he started, not a running stunt designed to tie his hands. These votes carry no legal weight and just delay Congress' votes on crucial legislation that should get passed to Trump's desk.
Democratic narrative
Congress alone holds the constitutional power to declare war, and surrendering it to Trump out of party loyalty is a betrayal of that duty. Trump sold this war as one that would take just a matter of weeks, but instead it carries on with unnecessary casualties and harmful impacts at home. Lawmakers who voted against this must answer to the public.
