Republicans Looking To Procedural Maneuver To Prevent Trump From Suffering War Powers Defeat

Senate Republican leaders are looking to implement a procedural maneuver related to the war powers resolution regarding Venezuela that passed the Upper House last week to prevent President Donald Trump from suffering a defeat, according to a new report.

Axios detailed that Republicans discussed the move on Tuesday, with GOP Whip John Barrasso leading the argument that raising a point of order to table the vote. He told the outlet that the measure doesn't qualify for expedited floor consideration, a decision that could be more bearable for detractors than changing their vote.

"Privileged motion has to do with current war activities, and since there aren't any, I don't think that this ought to be able to come to the floor," Barrasso told the outlet, noting that there are no U.S. troops on the ground in the South American country.

Five lawmakers joined Democrats in backing the resolution: Todd Young, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins.

Trump was reportedly enraged at their decision, threatening to back primary challenges against them. NBC News reported that Trump made "angry" calls to the five lawmakers shortly after the vote was passed in the Senate last week. Two people told the outlet that the call was "direct was cordial," but he did raise his voice when talking to Susan Collins.

Trump also slammed the senators publicly, saying in a social media publication that they "should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats in attempting to take away our Powers to fight and defend the United States of America." He added that the five "should never be elected to office again."

"This Vote greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security, impeding the President's Authority as Commander in Chief. In any event, and despite their "stupidity," the War Powers Act is Unconstitutional, totally violating Article II of the Constitution, as all Presidents, and their Departments of Justice, have determined before me. Nevertheless, a more important Senate Vote will be taking place next week on this very subject," Trump concluded.