Senate Passes War Powers Resolution on Iran
The Senate has approved a non-binding resolution regarding war powers, instructing President Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from military actions in Iran unless he secures Congressional approval for further involvement. This resolution was passed on a close vote of 50-48.
Interestingly, a few Republican senators, including Rand Paul from Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, joined their Democratic colleagues in supporting the measure. It’s worth noting that since this is a concurrent resolution, it doesn’t hold legal weight, meaning President Trump isn’t required to act on it.
The resolution specifically calls for U.S. forces to stay out of hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally declares war or grants authorization for military action. Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against it, while Republican Senators Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick did not participate in the vote.
This vote followed opposition from several Senate Republicans, among them Ted Cruz and Roger Wicker, against Trump’s 60-day ceasefire deal with Iran. Conversely, Senators Bernie Moreno and Eric Schmitt expressed their support for the agreement, with Moreno calling it “truly monumental.”
The House had earlier passed a similar resolution on June 3, by a vote of 215-208. A few Republicans, including Warren Davidson and Thomas Massie, sided with Democrats in favor of the resolution. It was postponed once due to the absence of several Republican representatives during a planned vote.
Representative Gregory Meeks, who sponsored the House resolution, remarked that Congress is clearly signaling that hostilities in Iran must stop. He stated, “With the Senate’s passage of this resolution, it’s clear the President cannot continue this war unilaterally. I intend to explore all legal options to ensure that Congress’s decisions are followed.” He emphasized that Congress never sanctioned this ongoing military action.
The Senate also considered another war powers resolution introduced by Senator Raphael Warnock, but it did not advance. That resolution would require Trump’s signature to become effective. Furthermore, Collins, Murkowski, Cassidy, and Paul supported a motion from Senator Tim Kaine regarding the War Powers Resolution, which narrowly passed 50-47, yet still needs bipartisan support to move forward.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina, who isn’t seeking re-election, mentioned he is open to discussing the War Powers Resolution but has not yet voted in favor of it.
