Senate Defeats Third Iran War Powers Resolution 47-53; Democrats Vow Continued Forced Votes

The Senate blocked a third war powers resolution on Iran Tuesday evening in a nearly party-line 47-53 vote, with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) sponsoring this round. Murphy told the Hartford Courant that forced floor votes represent 'our only opportunity to debate the war, which is tragic,' and criticized Republican committee leadership for deeming hearings 'counterproductive.' No public hearings have occurred with Trump administration officials on the conflict's legal basis or endgame. Democrats are escalating their strategy of compelling public votes to build a political record, with Murphy stating that Republicans' refusal to authorize testimony 'speaks to the indictment of the preparation.' The prior two resolutions, sponsored by Kaine and Booker respectively, failed by similar margins with only Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) crossing party lines and Sen. Fetterman (D-PA) voting against.