WASHINGTON — The Senate approved a House-passed war powers resolution Tuesday aimed at blocking further U.S. military action against Iran, delivering a rare bipartisan rebuke of President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict.
The resolution passed 50-48 after four Republican senators joined Democrats in support of the measure.
Because the measure is a concurrent resolution, it does not go to the president’s desk and does not carry the force of law. Still, its passage marks a significant symbolic statement from Congress against military action that lawmakers have not formally authorized.
GOP Defections Help Measure Pass
The four Republicans who broke ranks were Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana.
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the lone Democrat to vote against the resolution.
The vote came after the House approved its version earlier this month, with four House Republicans joining Democrats despite opposition from Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leadership.
Congress Pushes Back on Iran War
Democrats have repeatedly forced votes on Iran war powers since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
Earlier efforts failed in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. But growing concern among some GOP lawmakers over both the war and Trump’s emerging agreement with Iran helped shift the political ground.
Supporters of the resolution argue that Congress has the constitutional authority to decide whether the country remains engaged in hostilities.
Funding Fight Looms
The vote also comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is seeking roughly $80 billion from Congress to replenish munitions and military stockpiles after the Iran war.
The request is part of a broader push by the Trump administration for a major increase in defense spending.
That has added pressure to the debate, particularly as lawmakers weigh the cost of the conflict against concerns over inflation, gas prices and the broader cost of living.
Trump Faces GOP Unease
Trump is expected to meet with Senate Republicans this week as divisions grow inside the party over his Iran policy.
Some Republicans have objected to parts of the administration’s proposed agreement with Tehran, including a reported $300 billion fund to help Iran rebuild.
The Senate vote does not force a change in policy, but it underscores the growing discomfort on Capitol Hill with the administration’s approach and gives critics of the war their most significant legislative victory so far.
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