House Dems help GOP kill another Lebanon war powers vote

According to Axios, the House rejected a war powers measure that would have restricted U.S. military presence in Lebanon. The resolution, introduced by Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, would have directed the Trump administration to remove U.S. troops from Lebanon within a week—but it included protections for troops fighting Hezbollah and protecting U.S. diplomatic facilities. The measure failed two hundred thirty-five to one hundred eighty-nine, with only twenty-two Democrats voting against it—a sharp decline from an earlier similar resolution, when one hundred seventeen Democrats opposed it. Democratic leadership this time opposed the measure, contributing to its defeat. The Democrats who voted against it argued the measure was unnecessary, noting the U.S. is not currently in direct conflict with Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon have just signed a ceasefire framework agreement. The vote comes as the party grapples with internal divisions over Middle East policy, tensions that have intensified after primary defeats of pro-Israel moderates.

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