Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East.
The legislation, known as a war powers resolution, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.
On social media, Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran explained his vote against the resolution. "The Iranian government has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, threatened the security of our allies and called for the destruction of the U.S. Iran’s ambition to enrich uranium and acquire long-range missiles threatens the U.S. and the stability of the region.
Iran’s continued attacks on American troops, our embassies and consulates, and the bombardment of Israel, require vigilance and ongoing military action in the Middle East. Support for this resolution as written would constrain ongoing operations and potentially put American service members at greater risk. Congress must remain fully engaged through oversight and deliberation, and we must do so in a way that supports, not jeopardizes as this resolution would do, the men & women carrying out their current mission. If military engagements become sustained or expanded, Congress must debate and authorize further use of force on behalf of the American people
On his social media account, Senator Marshall explained his no vote against the resolution. "I voted against the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution—a political ploy to undermine our military operations."
"Our military’s strike against the Iranian regime was bold, necessary, and long overdue. Iran has spent decades killing Americans and pursuing a nuclear weapon. Praying for our troops and their families—and for a swift end to this conflict."
The vote on Thursday afternoon gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.
-The Associated Press contributed to this report.