The Trump administration has been holding confidential talks with China to address suspected nuclear tests, with these discussions taking place on the sidelines of multilateral meetings in Geneva, New York, and Casablanca, Morocco.
Meanwhile, the US Senate narrowly rejected a Democratic-led resolution aimed at halting military action in Iran until authorized by Congress. The vote was 50 to 49, largely along party lines, with most Republicans opposing the measure despite growing voter anger over skyrocketing gas and diesel prices, which have reached over $6 a gallon. This marks the 14th time the Senate has considered a war powers resolution since the conflict began on February 28, and the war has so far cost $43.5 billion.
Four Republican senators—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis—voted with Democrats on this occasion. Tillis, who is retiring, stated his vote was due to the administration's failure to involve Congress within the 60-day deadline. The resolution, which had previously passed the House with seven Republican defectors, was seen by some as a political statement that would likely have been vetoed by the President had it passed the Senate.
The White House has requested an additional $87.6 billion funding package for the war and other needs, which has stalled in Congress. Democrats are expected to address military spending if they gain power in the midterm elections, particularly given the impact of rising fuel costs on voters.
