WASHINGTON – For the first time since President Donald Trump threatened kill a "whole civilization" in Iran, Senate Republicans again blocked a measure on April 15 to halt American hostilities in the war.
On a largely party-line vote of 47-52, the resolution to reassert Congress' war powers didn't advance. Most Republicans – except for Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky – voted to oppose the measure. Most Democrats, except for Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, supported it.
GOP Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia did not cast a vote. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat and veteran who lost her legs serving in Iraq.
In an emotional plea on the floor of the legislative chamber, Duckworth said Trump administration officials have failed to adequately explain the president's rationale behind entering into the conflict.
"They need to respect the American people enough to finally tell them why they are being forced to bear the cost of this conflict," she said, "both in dollars in cents, and daughters and sons."
