A resolution aimed at reining in President Donald Trump’s power to order military strikes against Iran without congressional approval was defeated in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday — and it wasn’t even close to close. The measure failed by just a single vote, with the final tally standing at 47 in favor and 48 against.
Sen. Raphael Warnock introduced the resolution as lawmakers pushed to reassert Congress’s role in authorizing military action, particularly with a preliminary peace deal between the United States and Iran expected to be signed in the coming days.
While most Democrats backed the measure, the resolution drew support from an unlikely group of four Republican senators: Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Bill Cassidy. On the other side of the aisle, Sen. John Fetterman broke with his party and voted alongside Republicans in opposition.
Five senators were absent from the vote entirely. Republicans Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Josh Hawley of Missouri did not participate, nor did Democrats Michael Bennet of Colorado and Cory Booker of New Jersey. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont also missed the vote.
Tuesday’s failed resolution marked the ninth time since February that Democrats have attempted to limit the president’s authority to order strikes, following the launch of air attacks against Iran by both the United States and Israel earlier this year.
The resolution was designed to strengthen the War Powers Resolution, a law intended to restore Congress’s constitutional role in decisions about military conflict. That law gives Congress the ability to direct the withdrawal of U.S. forces from unauthorized military engagements.
The vote unfolded as senators were awaiting further information about a memorandum of understanding set to be signed this Friday in Geneva. The agreement is designed to bring the U.S.-Iran conflict to an end and open the door to negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
