The Senate voted Tuesday to adopt a war powers resolution directing President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, marking a bipartisan challenge to the administration’s approach while stopping short of a policy change.
The measure passed 50-48. Four Republicans — Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — joined most Democrats in support. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted with most Republicans against it. Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick did not vote.
Because the measure is a concurrent resolution, it will not go to the president for signature and will not become law. The vote reflects a continuing effort by lawmakers to assert congressional authority over military action and diplomacy involving Iran. It was the Senate’s tenth vote this year on an Iran-related war powers measure.
The House approved the same resolution earlier this month, also with limited Republican support. Trump criticized the House Republicans who backed it, calling them “grandstanders” and describing their vote as “unpatriotic.”
Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and sponsor of the House resolution, said he would explore legal options to press the administration to comply, arguing the measure is binding under the War Powers Resolution.
The vote came as Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Congress would likely have some form of vote on any broader Iran agreement reached during the administration’s 60-day negotiating period. Thune said senators want more information before determining the appropriate role for Congress.
Republican senators have supported Trump’s efforts to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while raising questions about sanctions relief, Iranian assets, reconstruction funding and limits on Tehran’s nuclear program. U.S. and Iranian officials met in Switzerland with representatives from Pakistan and Qatar.