Sen. Tim Kaine, Virginia Democrat, on Tuesday announced he has enough support to advance a key War Powers resolution designed to restrict President Trump’s authority to take military action in Iran.
Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky have both expressed their support of the resolution with some changes to the language. Mr. Kaine has been working on bipartisan language for the legislation in a bid for greater support.
“I’ve got 51 declared votes on version two,” Mr. Kaine said. “More [are] considering getting on board,” he added.
Sens. Todd Young, Indiana Republican, and Susan Collins, Maine Republican, are also expected to support the second version of the resolution, according to Mr. Kaine.
The House has passed its own nonbinding resolution against a war with Iran.
In a procedural twist, Mr. Young earlier Tuesday said he will not support a procedural vote on Mr. Kaine’s initial resolution that does not include the language that is bringing Republican support.
“Unfortunately, due to Senate parliamentarian procedures, those revisions will not be incorporated until after a partisan vote to discharge occurs,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Kaine is expected to amend the existing resolution that stands with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, once it reaches the Senate floor, with the most recent edits agreed to by Republicans.
• Lauren Toms can be reached at lmeier@washingtontimes.com.
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