The U.S. Senate has voted down a war powers resolution designed to prohibit President Trump from escalating military operations against Iran, with the measure failing on a party-line vote of 47-52.
Only Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and John Fetterman (D-PA) cast votes contrary to their party affiliations. The resolution, spearheaded by Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth, would have required President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific congressional authorization for the use of military force.
Speaking at a Tuesday news conference, Duckworth emphasized the urgency of action: “We cannot let this chaos continue unchecked.” The senator, a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot, added that as troops sacrifice themselves, senators must fulfill their constitutional duty to do “the absolute minimum required.”
Duckworth called for the Senate to vote on ending what she described as “Trump’s illegal war of choice.”
Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) was the only senator who did not cast a vote on the measure.
While nearly all Republicans opposed the resolution, some have signaled potential shifts in their stance as the Iran conflict drags on. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT), for instance, recently stated: “I will not support ongoing military action beyond a 60-day window without congressional approval.” He cited both historical and constitutional grounds for his position.
The vote marks the fourth time Democrats have pushed for such a resolution since U.S. involvement in the conflict began on February 28. Although widely anticipated to fail, the effort signals a new phase of Democratic pressure within Congress to withdraw U.S. forces from the Middle East. Advocates plan additional votes in coming weeks.
The War Powers Act mandates that presidents seek congressional approval for military action after 60 days, with an additional 30-day grace period. Senate Republicans face increasing challenges as some have indicated they would not support continued operations without a formal declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress.
