Alaska’s US senators split on curbing Trump’s power to attack Iran

The underside of the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C., as viewed from the rotunda. (Photo by Liz Ruskin/Alaska Public Media)

Sen. Lisa Murkowski was one of eight Republicans who crossed the aisle to pass a resolution Thursday that restricts President Donald Trump’s ability to attack Iran.

The Senate’s Iran war powers resolution would require Trump to get the permission of Congress before launching a military action, unless the action was in defense of “imminent attack.”

Murkowski, in a written statement, said the resolution doesn’t restrict Trump’s ability to defend U.S. troops. The president still has substantial powers, Murkowski said, but the Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war.

Sen. Dan Sullivan voted with most Republicans against the resolution.

“He strongly opposes any attempt to undermine the President’s lawful authority as Commander in Chief to protect American troops and installations, and preserve America’s security interests in the region,” Sullivan’s spokesperson said by email.

The resolution passed the Senate 55-45. That’s not a large enough margin to overturn a presidential veto.

 

Alaska Public Media

Alaska Public Media is one of our partner stations in Anchorage. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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