Senate Passes War Powers Resolution to Block U.S. Action Against Iran

The Senate approved a war powers resolution on Tuesday with a 50-48 vote, seeking to block additional U.S. military action against Iran. The measure, which does not carry the force of law, follows a similar resolution passed by the House earlier in the month and reflects growing concerns among some Republican lawmakers about the conflict and the recent agreement President Donald Trump reached with Iran.

Republican senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy voted in favor of the resolution, while Democrat John Fetterman opposed it. The absence of two Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, left the GOP without a full majority to defeat the measure.

"Time after time, the vast majority of Senate Republicans sided with Trump and his war instead of the American people," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said.

President Trump denounced the vote on his Truth Social platform, calling it "poorly timed and meaningless" and accusing the Senate of providing "aid and comfort" to Iran.

The resolution comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seeks roughly $80 billion in supplemental funding for the operation, which the Pentagon estimates has already cost more than $11 billion in its first week and could exceed $100 billion overall. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned against further spending on what he termed "Operation Epic Failure."

Senator Tim Kaine, who has led the Democratic effort on Iran votes, said the pause in combat operations offers Congress a chance to evaluate the next steps in the conflict.

The Senate's action is largely symbolic, as the resolution does not require the president's signature, but it signals congressional disapproval of the administration's military strategy and the terms of the recent Iran deal.