Senate to vote Friday on Iran amendment to defense policy bill

The Senate will vote Friday on a standalone amendment to the fiscal year 2020 defense authorization bill that would constrain President Trump's power to wage war on Iran, removing concerns that Democrats might unite to block the bill.

A vote on the full bill could come as early as Thursday. Should the Iran amendment pass Friday, the bill would be changed retroactively.

"We intend to stay in session this week to finish the [defense authorization] bill," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said on the Senate floor.

McConnell said the vote on the amendment will be open in the morning and into the afternoon to accommodate senators who will be absent for 2020 Democratic presidential debates in Miami, FL.

The amendment, offered by Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO), would prohibit any funds for military action against Iran unless authorized by Congress.

Lawmakers had voiced concern that Democrats would attempt to the block the bill unless the vote on the Iran amendment was allowed to proceed.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) thanked McConnell for allowing a vote on the amendment.

"The fact that it will be on the floor and debated is exactly the right thing to do," Schumer said. "I thank the majority leader for understanding that and allowing that to happen."