The Senate on Wednesday narrowly rejected another Democratic attempt to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran, defeating the resolution in a razor-thin 50-49 vote. Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) did not attend the vote.
The failed measure marked the seventh unsuccessful push by Senate Democrats since the conflict with Iran escalated earlier this year.
Democrats argued Congress should be required to authorize additional military action against Tehran under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, while Republicans largely defended Trump’s authority as commander in chief to respond rapidly to threats in the region.
One additional Republican crossed party lines to support the resolution, underscoring growing concerns among some GOP lawmakers as the conflict drags on and tensions remain high throughout the Middle East.
Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) backed the Democratic-led effort.
The conflict formally escalated Feb. 28 following major U.S. military operations tied to Iran. Democrats have repeatedly argued that the administration is approaching, or exceeding, the legal limits established under the War Powers Resolution without explicit congressional approval.
The White House has maintained that the administration remains within its constitutional authority, arguing that shifting ceasefire negotiations and pauses in direct fighting altered the legal timeline governing continued military action.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the administration’s handling of the conflict during congressional testimony this week, insisting the U.S. remains positioned to counter Iranian threats while protecting strategic shipping routes and American forces in the region.
Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>
