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Senate Republicans, joined by one Democrat, on Wednesday blocked a resolution that would have forced Donald Trumpto seek congressional authorization for continued military action against Iran, marking the fifth failed attempt to rein in the president’s war powers.
The measure failed in a 46-51 vote, largely along party lines. John Fetterman was the only Democrat to oppose the resolution, while Rand Paul again broke with Republicans to support it. Three senators — Chuck Grassley, David McCormick and Mark Warner — were absent.
The vote came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and renewed debate in Congress over the limits of presidential war powers, as the Trump administration continues military operations tied to its stated goals of regime change in Iran and halting its nuclear program.
The resolution, rooted in the War Powers Resolution, would have required congressional approval for further U.S. involvement in the conflict. Lawmakers have repeatedly introduced similar measures since the U.S. entered the war alongside Israel on Feb. 28.
So far, each effort has failed to gain enough bipartisan support to pass.
Supporters argue Congress has a constitutional obligation to authorize military force, while opponents contend that restricting the president’s authority could undermine national security during an active conflict.
The Trump administration has defended its actions as necessary to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions and destabilizing activities in the region.
Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran one day before the vote, though he did not specify an end date and reaffirmed that a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place.
In a social media post late Tuesday, Trump claimed Iran is “collapsing financially,” adding that the country is losing “$500 million a day” and is desperate to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The administration has also escalated maritime enforcement, including the recent seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel — a move Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, called “an act of war.”
Opposition to the war effort was led by Tammy Baldwin, the resolution’s sponsor, who argued the conflict is worsening economic conditions for Americans.
“This war has taken us backwards,” Baldwin said, pointing to rising fuel and fertilizer costs tied to disruptions in global energy markets.
Tim Kaine also criticized the administration, saying Trump entered the conflict “without a rationale, without a plan, without consulting with allies, [and] without seeking a vote of Congress.”
Republican opposition was led by Roger Wicker, who argued the resolution would be “unwise” and said conditions had not changed since previous votes.
The war has taken a growing human and economic toll. Thirteen U.S. service members and thousands of civilians have been killed, while the Pentagon reports about 400 American troops have been injured.
Global energy markets have been rattled by instability in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply once flowed. Brent crude prices surged above $100 per barrel, while U.S. gas prices remain above $4 per gallon on average, according to AAA.
Airlines and other industries have also begun passing higher fuel costs on to consumers.
Despite repeated defeats, Democrats say they will continue to introduce War Powers resolutions and press for greater oversight of the conflict.
A group of senators, led by Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen, has also demanded answers from the Pentagon over reports of civilian casualties, including a strike that allegedly killed more than 160 children.
With no clear end to the conflict and Congress divided, the legal and political battle over the president’s authority to wage war is likely to intensify in the weeks ahead.
