Congress splits on war powers resolutions to force Trump to abandon Iran war

WASHINGTON - Congress on Thursday split on advancing a pair of war powers resolutions aimed at forcing President Donald Trump to abandon his war with Iran, as the conflict escalates into a deadly new phase and oil tops $100 a barrel.

The moves were the first vote since Trump informed Congress that he restarted the war with Iran following the breakdown of peace negotiations. The conflict’s revival after weeks of a shaky ceasefire comes just months before the U.S. midterm elections.

The Senate on Thursday voted 47-49 to kill a joint resolution under the War Powers Act to force Trump to end hostilities with Iran. That chamber’s action follows a 214-208 House vote earlier in the day to approve a similar measure under the War Powers Act.

Even if Congress does try to force Trump to withdraw, he would be almost certain to veto anything that reaches his desk.

“There is no good way out of a bad war,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who offered the resolution in the Senate. “This is an opportunity for this Congress to finally take responsibility.”

Republicans argued before the vote that cutting off the administration’s ability to wage war now would tie their hands.

The House’s action was a concurrent resolution, which is not binding and so would never head to Trump’s desk to be signed into law but does express the disapproval of Congress. (Source: CNBC)