Senate defeats Iran war resolution

The Republican-led Senate on Thursday defeated a resolution to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran by a vote of forty-nine to fifty.

Democrats forced the vote

Democrats pushed the vote to highlight fallout from the war in their bid to win back control of Congress in the November midterm elections.

Republicans split on the war

Four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the resolution: Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

GOP candidates distance from war

Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, running for Senate, wrote that Iowans shouldn't have to foot the bill at the pump for the war. Mike Rogers, GOP nominee for Senate in Michigan, said the war needs to end to bring costs down.

“Iowans are being squeezed and shouldn't have to foot the bill at the pump or the checkout line for the war in Iran.”

War costs mounting for Americans

At least nineteen service members have been killed since fighting broke out in February. The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz has fueled fuel price spikes, with diesel hitting daily records above six dollars fifty a gallon.

Senate leader acknowledges GOP unease

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said many Republican members want the war to end and are hopeful the administration's efforts will lower gas prices and ease pressure on Americans' pocketbooks.

“I think there are a lot of Republican members, yes, obviously. Everybody wants to see wars come to a conclusion.”