In one of their last votes before November, Senate GOP blocks effort to end Iran war

The Senate on Thursday narrowly rejected a resolution that would have pulled U.S. troops out of the fighting with Iran, with the measure falling 49 to 50. Senate Democrats had forced the vote to spotlight the war's toll ahead of November's midterms, when control of Congress is at stake. Four Republicans crossed over to back withdrawal — Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul and Thom Tillis — while Pennsylvania's John Fetterman was the only Democrat opposed. The measure had already cleared the House in July, 214 to 208, and a separate war-powers measure passed last week with seven Republicans in favor, the most yet from that party. Republican unease has grown as the conflict drags on. Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson, locked in a competitive Senate race, complained on social media that constituents are paying higher prices because of the war, and Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers said the fighting must end to ease costs on families who "can't afford to wait." Diesel prices have climbed past $6.50 a gallon amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Pentagon counts at least 19 troop deaths since February, though its accounting of costs and casualties has reportedly been incomplete. Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed the vote as political but acknowledged many in his caucus want the war ended, saying he hopes diplomacy reopens shipping lanes and lowers gas prices. Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer blamed Trump for launching an unauthorized war that is straining households and farms, according to NPR.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NPR’s reporting. Read the full story at NPR →