Senate fails to curb Trump acts on Iran

WASHINGTON — The Senate failed to muster enough votes Friday to approve a measure that would have insisted President Donald Trump come to Congress before engaging militarily with Iran, except in the case of self-defense.

The measure, a proposed amendment to the annual defense bill, would have needed 60 votes to be included in the $750 billion authorization senators passed Thursday. It encountered significant opposition from Republicans, who argued that it was unnecessary — and potentially dangerous, in sending a message to Iran that Congress might undermine the commander in chief in the midst of an escalating conflict.

The vote was 50-40, with four Republicans joining Democrats to support the measure: Sens. Jerry Moran of Kansas, Susan Collins of Maine, Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky. There were 10 no-shows, nine of them Republicans.

Those supporting the effort rejected the argument that the president would fully respect Congress’ authority to declare war — or stick to the plan about when and where to respond to provocations with military force.

“They’re trying to create excuses for why we should ignore the Constitution and open the door to war with Iran,” Sen. Tom Udall, DN.M., the amendment’s author, said Thursday. “President Trump has said he was 10 minutes away from doing just that.”

The debate moves to the Democratic-led House, where lawmakers are expected to include a similar restriction in their version of the defense bill. Debate begins on the House floor next month.

The Senate and House will then have to combine the two versions of the defense bill.