US Senate Passes Bill Seeking to Limit Trump’s Iran War Powers

The measure passed Tuesday in a narrow 50-47 vote, with several Republican senators joining Democrats in support of the legislation. The bill invokes the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which limits a president’s authority to continue military operations without congressional approval.

One of the most notable developments was the vote by Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who sided with Democrats after recently losing his party’s primary election. Cassidy said he supports efforts to stop Iran’s nuclear program but criticized the White House and the Pentagon for failing to provide Congress with sufficient information regarding “Operation Epic Fury.”

In a social media statement, Cassidy said the administration had not adequately justified extending or expanding military operations against Iran.

Republican Senators Rand Paul, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski also voted in favor of the measure. Meanwhile, Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the only Democrat to oppose the bill.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the vote showed growing divisions within the Republican Party and increasing efforts to place limits on presidential war powers.

Democrats have repeatedly introduced war powers resolutions since Trump ordered military strikes against Iran in late February. Previous efforts were blocked by Republicans, but concerns about the duration and cost of the conflict appear to be shifting political opinion in Congress.

A similar bill may now be brought before the United States House of Representatives. Last week, a related proposal narrowly failed in the House.

The White House argues that the temporary ceasefire currently in place means there is no ongoing “hostility” under the legal definition of the War Powers Resolution, and therefore congressional authorization is unnecessary.

However, many lawmakers from both parties say the war is dragging on, fuel prices are rising, and the administration has yet to clearly explain its long-term strategy.

Republican Senator Mike Rounds said many members of Congress now want a more open debate about the future direction of US policy toward Iran.