Republican Senators Reverse Support for Iran War Powers Resolution After Meeting With President

Senate Republicans altered their stance on an Iran war powers resolution late Wednesday after a private meeting with President Donald Trump and senior officials. Initially, Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) had voted to advance the measure, which would have required Congress to order the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless a formal declaration of war or specific authorization was issued.

During a closed-door lunch, Cassidy said he "lost my temper" and Trump raised his voice. Cassidy later received a briefing at the White House from Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff, which he said addressed many of his concerns. He returned to the Senate floor and voted against the resolution, while Paul voted present, causing the measure to fail 47-50-1.

"I want to thank Vice President Vance and Special Envoy Witkoff for the thorough briefing this afternoon on Iran," Cassidy posted on X, adding that he appreciated the invitation to address his concerns.

"I am voting for war powers until I get a briefing," Paul said, noting his vote was intended to give the president more space to negotiate peace.

The resolution, if passed by both chambers, would have forced a presidential veto. Its defeat comes as the Senate prepares for a two-week recess.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who introduced the resolution, said the outcome reflected presidential pressure on Republican senators. He emphasized that the vote does not change Congress's position that further military action against Iran requires legislative approval.