The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a motion to advance a joint resolution requiring the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran without congressional authorization Wednesday, marking the closest vote yet on the issue with a 49-50 margin. The result came after Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska switched positions to support the measure, joining Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine as the only Republicans voting in favor of S.J.Res. 163.
The motion still fell one vote short, with Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska listed as not voting and Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania serving as the sole Democrat to vote no. Murkowski stated she had opposed prior versions of the resolution because an abrupt withdrawal would endanger American forces. Her shift followed the expiration of the 60-day War Powers window without receiving the administration’s clarity on the legal basis for continued operations.
The resolution, led by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, would have required the president to withdraw forces from Iran hostilities unless Congress explicitly authorized the action through a declaration of war or specific military force authorization. The vote occurred against the administration’s position that active hostilities terminated after an April 7 ceasefire, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserting the White House retains necessary authority if future strikes resume.
Murkowski reportedly argued that deployed troops and warships made it impossible to accept that hostilities had fully ended. The procedural battle hinges on the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which mandates presidential reporting after force deployment without congressional approval and limits unauthorized engagement to 60 days. The Senate’s narrow defeat underscores growing constitutional pressure from both parties as the administration faces heightened scrutiny over Iran policy ahead of critical international engagements.
