It took US lawmakers eight attempts to push through a symbolic resolution that is bound to fail
The United States Senate has passed a resolution aimed at blocking President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval or debate about the logic, cost, strategy and clear end goal.
The council voted 50-47 on Tuesday to take up the war powers resolution, which would have required Trump to end US hostilities against Iran, the first time the court has moved that step since the conflict began in February.
Four Republicans — Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — joined nearly all Senate Democrats in supporting the eighth attempt to advance such a measure. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to vote against it, while three Republicans abstained. Cassidy, who had previously opposed the effort, switched sides after losing a primary race in which Trump endorsed his opponent.
The measure is highly unlikely to pass, as it still faces a final vote in the Senate, major hurdles in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, and an imminent veto by Trump if it reaches his desk.
However, Democrats have hailed the vote as politically significant, saying it forces Republicans to go on the record on an increasingly unpopular and expensive conflict. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged lawmakers to support the resolution, accusing Trump of taking action “like a baby playing with a loaded gun.”
The push comes after the 60-day deadline set by the War Powers Resolution of 1973 expired on May 1. The law requires the president to obtain congressional approval within 60 days of bringing US forces into combat or ending their participation, with the possibility of an additional 30 days to withdraw.
Trump argued in a letter to Congress earlier this month that what he described as a “little trip” against Iran was effectively completed, citing the ceasefire that has been in place since early April.
Critics have rejected that argument, pointing to the continued US naval blockade of Iran’s ports and the fact that US forces remain well positioned for possible new attacks. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has also told lawmakers that the administration believes the cease-fire could suspend or stop the 60-day clock, an interpretation that Democrats and some Republicans have questioned.
