Senate Fails to Override Trump’s Veto of Yemen Withdrawal Bill

The Senate unsuccessfully tried to override President Donald Trump’s veto of a bill that would prohibit U.S. forces from assisting the Saudi-led coalition that’s fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen on Thursday with its final vote of the week.

The bill would’ve used powers granted to Congress under the War Powers Resolution to withdraw U.S. forces providing aerial refueling assistance to the coalition, but the override effort failed 53-45 in a vote that required a two-thirds majority (67 votes) to send the bill to the House.

All Senate Democrats were joined by 7 Republicans in voting to override the veto, including Sens. Susan Collins (ME), Steve Daines (MT), Mike Lee (UT), Jerry Moran (KS), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Rand Paul (KY), and Todd Young (IN).

In his veto message, Trump called the bill “an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities”, and added:

“Since 2015, the United States has provided limited support to member countries of the Saudi-led coalition, including intelligence sharing, logistical support, and, until recently, in-flight refueling of non-United States aircraft… None of this support has introduced United States military personnel into hostilities.”

With the override effort now defeated, it's unclear if lawmakers will pursue other legislation to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi coalition in Yemen.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / VanderWolf-Images)