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The Senate voted 50-47 on Tuesday to advance a resolution aimed at forcing President Donald Trump to end U.S. involvement in the war with Iran, marking the strongest showing yet for congressional efforts to rein in the administration’s military authority.
The breakthrough came after Bill Cassidy broke with most Republicans and voted to move the Democratic-led measure forward for the first time. Cassidy’s shift followed his weekend primary loss in Louisiana after facing sustained opposition from Trump and MAGA-aligned conservatives.
“While I support the administration’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, the White House and Pentagon have left Congress in the dark on Operation Epic Fury,” Cassidy said in a statement after the vote.
“In Louisiana, I’ve heard from people, including President Trump’s supporters, who are concerned about this war. Until the administration provides clarity, no congressional authorization or extension can be justified,” he added.
Cassidy joined Republican Sens. Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins in supporting the procedural motion. All three had previously backed advancing the measure.
Every Senate Democrat voted in favor except John Fetterman, who has consistently opposed the resolution.
The measure, introduced by Tim Kaine, invokes Congress’ constitutional war powers and directs the president to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities involving Iran unless lawmakers formally authorize military action.
“Congress hereby directs the President to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force,” the resolution states.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued the vote showed growing Republican unease over the administration’s handling of the conflict.
“Vote by vote, Democrats are breaking through Republicans’ wall of silence on Trump’s illegal war,” Schumer said after the vote.
“For more than 80 days, Trump has dragged America into a costly, chaotic conflict with no plan, no objective, and no legal authority. Today proved our pressure is working: Republicans are starting to crack, and momentum is building to check him. We are not letting up,” he added.
The Senate has not yet scheduled a final vote on the resolution, and its ultimate passage remains uncertain. Republican Sens. John Cornyn, Thom Tillis and Tommy Tuberville were absent Tuesday. If all three oppose the measure when present, the Senate would deadlock 50-50, causing the effort to fail.
Even if the resolution clears the Senate, it would still face steep obstacles. The Republican-controlled House has repeatedly rejected similar efforts to limit Trump’s war authority, and the White House would almost certainly veto any measure that reaches the president’s desk.
Still, Tuesday’s vote underscored growing bipartisan concern over the prolonged conflict and the administration’s reliance on executive authority without explicit congressional approval.
