US Senate passes war powers resolution to curb Trump's Iran military action
The United States Senate has approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting military action against Iran, marking the first time such a measure has passed the chamber. The vote, which took place on Tuesday, was 50-48, reflecting growing bipartisan concern over the conflict and the deal President Donald Trump struck with Iran.
The resolution, while largely symbolic and lacking the full force of law, represents a significant rebuke to the Trump administration. It calls for the withdrawal of US armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes the action. The House of Representatives had already passed a similar resolution earlier this month.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the administration's handling of the Iran conflict, stating, “Time after time, the vast majority of Senate Republicans sided with Mr. Trump and his war instead of the American people.” He added that Americans have paid the price for what he called “Trump's historic blunder in Iran.”
Four Republican senators voted in favor of the resolution: Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. One Democrat, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, voted against it. The absence of two Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who was hospitalized, contributed to the resolution's passage.
The vote comes as the Pentagon is seeking $80 billion from Congress to replenish munitions used in the Iran conflict. Additionally, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Senate Republicans this week amid growing dissent over the terms of the Iran deal. The deal, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding, includes a $300 billion fund to help Iran rebuild, which has drawn criticism from some Republicans. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas commented, “I believe President Trump is getting very poor advice on Iran.”
Democrats have been forcing votes on the Iran war since the US and Israel launched missile strikes on Iran on February 28. Previous attempts had failed in the narrowly divided Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Tuesday's success was attributed to a shift in GOP support and the absence of key Republican votes.
While the war powers resolution does not carry the force of law, it stands as a strong symbolic statement from Congress against the administration's unilateral military actions. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who has led Democratic efforts on the issue, highlighted the significance of the vote, saying, “Why is this vote different?” He noted that the pause in fighting and the ongoing negotiations with Iran have changed the context.
The resolution now goes to the House, which has already passed its version. However, it is unlikely to be signed by President Trump, who has opposed such measures.
