Washington approved a House-passed war powers resolution on Iran, marking the first time such a measure has passed both chambers and signifying a rare rebuke of President Trump’s handling of the conflict.
In a 50-48 vote, four Republicans—Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky—joined most Senate Democrats in support. One Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, opposed, while two Republicans did not vote.
The resolution directs the president to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes military force. However, it is a concurrent resolution, which doesn’t carry legal force and doesn’t require the president’s signature, making it largely symbolic.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Republicans to join Democrats in supporting the measure ahead of Tuesday’s vote, aiming to “once again put Republicans on the record” regarding whether they want Trump’s war to continue. He emphasized that Republicans can complain about Trump’s war and secrecy behind closed doors but must act to ensure it ends.
On June 3, the House passed the measure introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Four Republicans and all Democrats voted in favor after three previous failed attempts to rein in Trump on Iran. The vote came after GOP leaders pulled the vote before Memorial Day when it became clear they lacked votes to block it.
Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett of Michigan, and Warren Davidson of Ohio joined Democrats in passage. Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, who had voted against previous attempts, also dropped his opposition, giving the party unanimity for the first time on this issue.
In the Senate, Tuesday’s vote marked the tenth attempt since the war began in late February to force a war powers vote, putting pressure on the GOP as support for the war has become shakier. On the eighth attempt, the Senate advanced a resolution led by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia to limit Trump’s war powers in Iran with a 50-47 vote. The same four Republicans who supported Tuesday’s concurrent resolution voted to advance Kaine’s measure last month, while three GOP members’ absences tipped the scales in Democrats’ favor.
Kaine’s measure must survive additional votes before heading to the House. The timing for the next vote remains unclear but could be encouraged by Tuesday’s outcome, potentially prompting Democrats to force their next vote on Kaine’s resolution, which would require the president’s signature.