The US Senate on Thursday voted down a resolution calling for an end to the US conflict with Iran. The tally was 49 to 50. The vote came as more Republicans speak out against US President Donald Trump over the war. The conflict shows no sign of ending, and it has pushed gas prices higher. Even so, Republicans mostly stayed together to stop the measure from passing.
The resolution had already cleared the House in July, 214 to 208. It is seen as largely symbolic.
Who crossed party lines
One Democrat and four Republicans voted against their party’s majority. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, voted no. Four Republicans voted yes: Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky.
Democrats keep pushing
Democrats have forced many votes on similar resolutions meant to rebuke Trump over Iran. In the Senate, only one of those votes has gone their way. Later procedural votes on the resolution failed.
Pressure inside the GOP
Republican pushback is growing, especially among candidates in close midterm races. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced a resolution last week to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. That effort was part of the reason the House left early for recess.
Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio, along with Senate candidates Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa and former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, have called for the war to end in recent days.
Some Republicans facing competitive races still voted against the measure. Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio did, even after his recent comments on ending the war. So did Sens. Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Roger Marshall of Kansas, who are also in close reelection fights.