Two Republican senators reverse votes on Iran war powers after meeting with Trump
Senators Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy switched their votes to support a resolution on Iran war powers following a meeting with President Trump, a move that eased tensions after the president halted a housing bill signing.
Two Republican senators changed their votes on a resolution concerning Iran war powers during a late-night session on June 24, after meeting with President Donald Trump and members of his administration. Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana had voted with Democrats on the measure the previous day, but both posted that the president’s request and assurances led them to reconsider.
The vote, which shifted the tally from 50-48 against to 50-47 in favor, was largely symbolic but appeared to satisfy the president, who earlier cancelled a ceremonial signing of a bipartisan housing bill to press Senate leaders on an unrelated election-law measure. After the vote, Vice President JD Vance and special Middle-East envoy Steve Witkoff invited Cassidy to the White House, where he said his concerns were addressed.
"As long as I'm reassured that there's honesty, and that how they're depicting events is playing out appropriately, I'm reassured," Cassidy told reporters outside the Senate chamber.
Senator Paul also posted that his view on the war-power debate had not changed, but he would consider the president’s negotiating position because hostilities appeared to have ended.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the chamber will resume after a two-week July 4 recess, with plans to advance other priorities such as the annual defense policy bill.