The United States Senate has passed a measure limiting President Trump’s ability to wage war amid growing concerns of escalation with Iran. The measure requires President Trump to gain approval from Congress before engaging in any further military action against Iran. Eight Republicans sided with Senate Democrats to pass the resolution by a vote of 55 to 45. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who authored the legislation, argues that the resolution is an important reassertion of congressional power to declare war. Opponents of the measure, including the President, believe it will send a signal of weakness to Iran. President Trump is expected to veto the resolution should it pass through the House of Representatives. Overturning a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate. In response to the resolution’s critics, Senator Kaine stated "If we're to order our young men and women ... to risk their lives in war, it should be on the basis of careful deliberation by the people's elected legislature and not on the say-so of any one person.''
The risk of conflict between the United States and Iran surged after a targeted drone strike, order by President Trump, killed the major general of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Qasem Soleimani. Tehran responded to this attack by launching missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops. The attack reportedly caused traumatic brain injuries in more than 100 US soldiers.
