Senate Proposes Bill to Limit Military Action Against Iran
On Tuesday, a bill was introduced in the Senate aimed at requiring President Trump to seek Congressional approval before engaging in military action against Iran. This development came after four Republican senators broke ranks with the administration.
In the wake of a disappointing primary defeat that dashed his aspirations for a third term, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) joined forces with Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Rand Paul (Kentucky), among others, to support the so-called war powers resolution led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
Meanwhile, three Republican senators—John Cornyn (Texas), Thom Tillis (North Carolina), and Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)—did not vote, leading the bill to pass with a count of 50-47. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) was the only Democrat to oppose the resolution.
This vote marked the eighth attempt in the Senate to curtail military engagement with Iran since Operation Epic Fury was launched on February 28, 2026. Cassidy and his fellow Republicans had previously managed to defeat the prior seven attempts.
Cassidy, who was one of the few Republicans to vote for Trump’s conviction in the Senate following the incitement of insurrection charge after the January 6 Capitol riot, remarked that he didn’t regret his earlier decision. “I may have lost my seat because of it, but I don’t care about that. I had the privilege of voting to uphold the Constitution. Isn’t that great?” he said. He added that if he were to read his obituary, he would hope it stated he upheld the Constitution.
After the vote, Cassidy expressed on social media his support for dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, while also critiquing the White House and Pentagon for not being transparent with Congress regarding Operation Epic Fury. “Until the administration provides clarity, Congressional approval or extension cannot be justified,” he noted.
Over in the House, a similar war powers resolution is set for a vote on Wednesday, following a previous nearly identical bill that ended in a tie at 212-212 last week.
The White House has maintained that it is adhering to the War Powers Act of 1973, given the fragile cease-fire with Iran since April 8. This law mandates that the president inform Congress within 48 hours of military action and bars troop presence beyond 60 days without further authorization.
President Trump has characterized the War Powers Act as unconstitutional, claiming it was enacted over President Nixon’s veto.
On Monday, Trump had initially intended to resume attacks on Iran but changed his mind after discussions with U.S. allies in the Gulf. He later mentioned that he was “an hour away” from ordering military action before deciding against it.
In a speech before the vote, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) pointed out the escalating challenges, stating, “Peace talks are stalled, and food prices and gas prices are rising by the day.”
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) acknowledged that while he and many Republicans are in favor of the ongoing military efforts, there is an increasing concern among some members regarding the administration’s long-term strategies in the Middle East. “I think,” he remarked, “perhaps many members may feel that the time has come to have a discussion.”
