US Senate rejects measure aimed at limiting Trump s war powers in Iran for fifth time

The United States Senate has turned down a proposal for the fifth time this year that aimed to limit President Donald Trump’s military powers regarding Iran. The proposal did not pass, with a vote count of 46 against and 51 in favor. Democratic Senator John Fetterman sided with Republicans in voting against it, while Republican Senator Rand Paul supported the Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated last week that Democrats plan to push for a war powers vote every week for the foreseeable future. Some Republicans, including Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, have shown willingness to support a vote for military action once the situation reaches 60 days. Senate GOP leaders have not excluded the possibility of taking that step after 90 days if the conflict continues. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters on Monday that he does not expect an authorization vote to occur right now. In other news, US Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down from the Trump administration, as announced by the Pentagon on Wednesday. His resignation is effective immediately, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, who shared this information on social media. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will take over as acting secretary, Parnell noted. Phelan is the latest senior military official to leave the administration in recent months, with his departure occurring during the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.