The U.S. Senate voted 50-49 to defeat a measure that would have required the
president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostile actions against Iran. The vote
split largely along party lines; four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting
the resolution. Held ahead of the midterms, lawmakers tied the Iran conflict to
recent energy price rises, saying higher gasoline and diesel costs are creating
political pressure for Republican candidates and adding costs for farmers,
businesses and consumers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the vote
as political but said GOP candidates can distance themselves from the president;
some Republicans urged an end to the conflict or plans to reduce energy costs.
