(Bloomberg) -- Democratic Senator Tim Kaine says he has enough votes to pass a resolution that would limit President Donald Trump’s ability to carry out a military attack against Iran without congressional authorization.
Kaine said Tuesday he has 51 “declared votes“ for a revised version of his war powers resolution. He said Republican senators Mike Lee, Rand Paul, Susan Collins and Todd Young will support his measure.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was also optimistic that it has enough support to pass.
“We believe we will get 51 votes,” Schumer told reporters Tuesday. “We believe this resolution is the right way to go.”
Kaine’s measure includes changes requested by Republicans, and the Virginia senator said it’s eligible for floor consideration Tuesday though it could get a vote earlier if a deal is reached with leadership. Kaine said under Senate rules the measure can get an expedited vote and only needs a simple majority to pass.
Kaine said he expects the Senate to be able to act on the measure even though Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the chamber plans to begin Trump’s impeachment trial on Tuesday. Schumer said senators will “work out the timing.”
To contact the reporter on this story: Daniel Flatley in Washington at dflatley1@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Joe Sobczyk at jsobczyk@bloomberg.net, Laurie Asséo, Anna Edgerton
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