Feb 12, 2020 - Politics & Policy
White House threatens to veto Iran war powers resolution
Demonstrators protesting the U.S. drone attack that killed Iran's Qasem Soleimani, Washington, D.C., Jan. 4.
The White House on Wednesday threatened to veto a resolution making its way through Congress that would curb President Trump's ability to direct military action against Iran without congressional authorization.
Driving the news: The Senate is now holding debates on the resolution after a majority voted 51-45 to advance the measure. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting in favor of it, signaling the measure could pass with bipartisan support.
What they're saying: The White House argues the bill "fails to account for present reality," since it was introduced on Jan. 9 "in response to an escalating series of attacks" by Iran.
- The White House argues "there have been no further uses of force between Iran and the United States. In fact, deterrence has been re-established."
- The bill "should be rejected because it attempts to hinder the President’s ability to protect United States diplomats, forces, allies, and partners, including Israel, from the continued threat posed by Iran and its proxies," the White House stated.