Lawmakers clash over an Iran war resolution as Congress' first vote on the conflict draws near

The Senate is headed toward a vote Wednesday on President Donald Trump's decision to embark on a war against Iran, an extraordinary test in Congress for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East with no clear U.S. exit strategy. The legislation, known as a war powers resolution, gives lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The Senate resolution and a similar bill being voted on in the House later this week face unlikely paths through the Republican-controlled Congress and would almost certainly be vetoed by Trump even if they were to pass. Nonetheless, the voting represented a weighty moment for lawmakers. It is forcing them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region. “Today every senator — every single one — will pick a side," said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer during a floor speech. “Do you stand with the American people who are exhausted with forever wars in the Middle East or stand with Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as they bumble us headfirst into another war?” Sen. John Barrasso, second in Senate Republican leadership, said GOP senators would send a message that Democrats are “wrong” for forcing a vote on the war powers resolution. “Democrats would rather obstruct Donald Trump than obliterate Iran’s national nuclear program,” he added. Read: https://www.wkyc.com/article/syndication/associatedpress/congress-is-taking-its-first-votes-on-the-iran-war-as-debate-rages-about-us-goals/616-6ac412f7-4cfa-44cf-9d8b-c95e0faee743