The Senate rejected a war‑powers resolution targeting the president’s authority over Iran on a 47‑49 vote. Republican Senator Susan Collins joined Democrats in voting against the measure, while Democrat John Fetterman sided with Republicans. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul were absent from the vote.
Earlier that day, the House approved a similar resolution by a margin of 214‑208. Four Republicans—Barrett, Fitzpatrick, Davidson, and Massie—broke party lines to support the measure. The narrow passage reflected deep partisan divisions over congressional oversight of military action.
The resolution, introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen, would require the president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities involving Iran unless a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force is issued. It seeks to reassert congressional authority over sustained combat operations.
In late February, U.S. and Israeli forces conducted joint strikes against Iranian targets. The fragile ceasefire that followed collapsed after Iran attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and struck bases in Jordan. The U.S. military has now carried out its twelfth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian positions.
Since the conflict began, eighteen U.S. service members have been killed in action in the Middle East. The ongoing casualties underscore the urgency of the debate over war‑powers authority.
