Senate Rejects 7th Bid to Limit Trump’s Iran War Powers

The U.S. Senate has narrowly rejected another Democratic attempt to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran, though the latest vote saw an additional Republican senator break ranks to support the measure.

Get today's headlines by email

A procedural motion to discharge the resolution from committee failed by a vote of 49 to 50 on Wednesday. Republican Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined most Democrats in backing the move. Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only member of his party to oppose it.

The vote marked the seventh effort by Senate Democrats since the conflict with Iran began on Feb. 28 to advance a resolution under the War Powers framework aimed at restricting the president’s military authority.

New Republican Support

Murkowski’s vote represented a shift from her earlier position. She had previously opposed similar measures but said circumstances had changed after a key 60-day period outlined in the War Powers Resolution passed earlier this month.

Speaking to reporters, Murkowski said she had expected greater clarity from the administration about its legal position once that period ended but had not received it. She said this prompted her to support moving the resolution forward so lawmakers could examine Congress’s responsibilities under the law.

“We’re in a different place than we were last time we voted on this,” she said.

The resolution, introduced by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, would have required the president to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress approved the action through a declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force.

Debate Over War Powers Deadline

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, presidents must inform Congress within 48 hours of deploying military forces into hostilities if there is no prior authorization. The law also limits such engagements to 60 days without congressional approval.

As that deadline approached, however, the Trump administration argued the requirement did not apply because active hostilities had ended with a ceasefire reached on April 7. In a letter to congressional leaders dated May 1, the president said fighting with Iran had “terminated.”

Some lawmakers have challenged that interpretation. Merkley told reporters before the vote that he did not accept the administration’s claim that the 60-day clock had effectively stopped.

He said the conflict may currently be at a different stage but could escalate again, making congressional oversight necessary.

Republicans Back Administration View

Republican Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, defended the administration’s position during debate ahead of the vote.

Risch said the hostilities referenced in the War Powers law had ended with the April ceasefire and therefore the time limits imposed by the legislation were not applicable.

“The operations that began on Feb. 28 have been terminated,” he said. “The hostilities ended with the April 7 ceasefire. They’re over — full stop.”

Political Pressure Around the Vote

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who has led the Senate effort to invoke war powers restrictions, said the vote would test Republican willingness to assert Congress’s role in decisions over war.

Kaine said lawmakers were facing increasing questions from constituents about the economic impact of the conflict, including rising fuel costs.

He said he believed the Senate could eventually vote to halt the war, even if that outcome was not achieved this time.

Merkley also argued that some Republican lawmakers were growing more skeptical about the military operation but remained reluctant to oppose the president.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged colleagues to support the administration, noting that Trump was abroad in China at the time of the vote for talks covering trade and security matters.

Ongoing Questions Over Authority

Murkowski has indicated she intends to introduce legislation formally authorizing the use of military force against Iran.

During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, she questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about whether congressional approval would strengthen the administration’s legal footing. Hegseth responded that the administration believes the president already possesses the necessary authority under Article II of the Constitution to carry out military action if required.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 14 May 2026