If the Senate agrees to take up the measure withdrawing U.S. backing for the war — which has raised widespread humanitarian concerns — it risks kicking off a freewheeling debate that GOP leaders can’t afford with government funding set to expire in less than two weeks.
Even if the Yemen resolution clears its first hurdle, however, its prospects for ultimately clearing both chambers of Congress remain dim at best. Nonetheless, a successful initial vote in the Senate would be a major symbolic victory for the measure’s supporters.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), one of the 10 in his party who voted against floor debate on a similar resolution earlier this year, said Tuesday that he’s “inclined to support it” this time despite “unanswered questions” about what comes next if it clears the hurdle.
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