Senate fails to curb Trump’s war on Iran even as Republican opposition grows

The Senate rejected a Democratic-led war powers resolution aimed at ending U.S. involvement in hostilities with Iran. The vote, 49-50, saw all Democrats except one support the measure. Notably, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski joined Senators Rand Paul and Susan Collins in voting for the resolution, marking an increase in Republican opposition to President Trump's strategy. Murkowski cited ongoing attacks on U.S. forces and the lack of formal congressional authorization after 60 days of conflict as reasons for her vote. Senate Democrats criticized Republicans for not holding the president accountable, while Murkowski stated she would support ending hostilities and oppose efforts to allow indefinite presidential war-making without congressional approval.

A Senate bill aimed at limiting President Trump's war powers against Iran failed to pass, with a 50-49 vote. However, the measure saw increased Republican support, with three senators—Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul—joining Democrats. This marks the seventh such vote since the conflict began and the highest level of support to date, indicating growing dissent within the Republican party regarding the war. The bill's advancement was blocked by the Republican majority, with Democratic Senator John Fetterman siding against it. Democrats have consistently introduced such resolutions under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 to challenge the President's authority to engage in hostilities without congressional approval.

Senate Republicans are increasingly opposing President Trump's war with Iran, as evidenced by a recent vote where Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against the conflict for the first time. Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul also maintained their opposition. The war powers legislation ultimately failed to advance with a 49-50 vote, but the close margin indicates growing congressional unease. Democrats are using these votes to build political pressure on the President to either withdraw from the conflict or seek congressional authorization, though the White House maintains it does not require such approval.

Senate Republicans have once again blocked a Democratic effort to halt President Trump's military actions in Iran. The Senate voted 47-50 against a war powers resolution that would have limited the conflict until Congress authorized further military action. This marks the sixth failed attempt by Democrats this year to limit the president's authority. The resolution's author, Senator Adam Schiff, highlighted its importance as Friday marks 60 days since the administration notified Congress of the strikes. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, military campaigns must end after 60 days without congressional authorization, though the Defense Secretary has stated the clock was paused due to a ceasefire. The House of Representatives also narrowly rejected a similar resolution earlier this month.