US troops are leaving Iraq, in the absence of an extension of the agreement with that nation to maintain a military presence there. But the 2002 congressional authorization for the use of force in Iraq remains in effect. An effort by Rand Paul (R-KY) to repeal that authorization (thus requiring the president to receive renewed legislative permission to reintroduce combat troops to Iraq) was rejected yesterday in the Senate by a 67-30 vote. Only four Republicans voted yes, interestingly, including Olympia Snowe of Maine, Dean Heller of Nevada, and Jim DeMint of South Carolina.