WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans once more prevented Democratic war powers legislation from advancing on Wednesday, though opposition to President Donald Trump’s military conflict with Iran continues expanding within GOP ranks.
Alaska’s Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski cast her first vote opposing the war since hostilities commenced in late February. She joined two other GOP senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky, who had previously voted against the military action.
The war powers measure fell short by a 49-50 margin, with Pennsylvania’s Sen. John Fetterman serving as the lone Democrat in opposition. Despite the defeat, the narrow vote count demonstrates mounting Republican concerns about the conflict’s direction, with multiple GOP senators indicating they want congressional input on the war’s trajectory.
Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, who has led his party’s strategy of repeatedly forcing war votes, predicted before the tally: “There will be a day — and it might be soon, I believe — where this Senate will say to the president, ‘Stop this war.’”
While Senate passage remains unlikely, and House approval plus a Trump veto would certainly follow, Democrats maintain these votes create political pressure for the president to either end the conflict or seek proper congressional war authorization.
The White House continues asserting it requires no congressional approval for the military campaign and has bypassed legal mandates requiring legislative consent to maintain operations. Administration officials claim they have “terminated” Iranian hostilities by entering a ceasefire arrangement.
This stance has generated friction between the Republican-led Congress and the executive branch, as the 1973 War Powers Resolution mandates presidents obtain legislative authorization within 60 days of military engagement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed legislators this week that renewed attacks on Iran could commence without seeking congressional approval. During Tuesday’s hearing, he told Murkowski the Trump administration possesses “all the authorities necessary.”
Murkowski expressed doubt about this position, referencing deployed military personnel and naval vessels in the region while stating: “It doesn’t appear that hostilities have ended.”
Republican leadership maintains support for the Iranian military action, contending that the Strait of Hormuz standoff blocking commercial shipping creates greater economic hardship for Iran than America.
“Iran’s economy is on life support. Its leadership is eliminated,” declared Sen. John Barrasso, the second-ranking Republican leader, during Wednesday’s floor remarks.
Barrasso also characterized Democratic war efforts as attempts to undermine Trump, arguing that pressing the issue during his China summit visit would “pull out the rug from under him.”
Nevertheless, Republicans show growing concern about elevated fuel costs, particularly with November elections approaching.
South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds said Wednesday he would prefer both government branches resolve constitutional questions through cooperation rather than congressional war votes or court challenges.
Both sides should meet and acknowledge “we have shared constitutional responsibilities,” Rounds explained.
Democrats intend to continue weekly war powers votes while seeking Trump restrictions during upcoming military authorization and funding legislation debates.
Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, who sponsored Wednesday’s resolution, told reporters he observes an “erosion of support, erosion of enthusiasm, an increase in skepticism” regarding the war among Republicans.
