Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Wednesday expressed disappointment at being the sole Republican lawmaker to cross party lines earlier that day, joining Democrats in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to pass a war powers resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's ongoing military engagement with Iran.
During an appearance on MS NOW's "The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle," Paul highlighted the extensive debate among America's founders regarding the authorization of military force. He noted that the founders agreed such decisions should require a majority vote in Congress.
"That's the way you're supposed to go to war," Paul stated. "That's the constitutional way. But beyond that, even if you were to vote, there's a question of whether there is an imminent threat—something that threatens international security."
The Kentucky Republican continued, "I actually think we're made weaker by this war. The more we spend and the more debt we incur, that's the real danger to our country. I believe the danger is from within, not from without."
Wednesday marked the fifth failed attempt by Democrats to pass a war powers resolution since the conflict began in February. Paul crossed the aisle to vote in favor alongside Democrats, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was the only Democrat to vote against it.
Paul explained that the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973 includes a statutory 60-day deadline requiring the president to cease military force unless Congress formally declares war—a deadline rapidly approaching.
"So, we're getting close to 60 days," said Paul. "I think we're around 50 days or so. This will probably come up again in a week or two. If it comes up after 60 days, there may be four or five other Republicans who join the vote, and there could well be a majority."
Paul has broken with Trump on various issues over the past year, most notably regarding the use of lethal airstrikes on alleged drug boats in Caribbean and Pacific waters. The constitutional conservative publicly decried these attacks as "summary execution" in October.
He told Ruhle that a majority vote after 60 days would send "an even stronger message" that the president cannot unilaterally wage war, but also noted that Trump could veto the war powers resolution, requiring a two-thirds vote to override.
"So, it's very, very difficult to stop a president," said Paul. "But this is why I've also wanted to reform emergency powers. I think emergency powers should expire automatically unless affirmatively approved by a simple majority."
While the Republican senator argued that part of Trump "really wants the war to end" and is aware of its devastating economic impact, Paul also criticized what he described as genocidal rhetoric in threatening to destroy Iranian civilization.
"I think it's going to take negotiation," Paul concluded.
