Republicans blocked a Democratic push Thursday to rein in military operations against Iran, rejecting a war powers resolution that would have forced Congress to authorize further strikes or watch the campaign end.
The Senate vote fell short at 47-50. Two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky, broke ranks to support the resolution. Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman voted against it. The outcome marked the sixth failed attempt this year by Democrats to curb the conflict through legislative action.
The timing carries legal weight. Friday marks the 60-day threshold since the Trump administration notified Congress of operations against Iran. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president must halt military activity at that mark unless Congress has declared war or authorized force. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers this week that the clock had been paused due to a current ceasefire arrangement, a claim Democrats dispute.
Senator Adam Schiff, who authored the resolution, characterized Thursday's vote as pivotal. The rejection came after a similar setback in the House earlier this month, where a resolution by top Democrat Greg Meeks failed 213-214. That result needed only two more votes to succeed, since ties lose in the House.
The House outcome showed modest Democratic progress. Three members who had opposed an earlier ceasefire-related resolution in March switched sides: Henry Cuellar of Texas, Greg Landsman of Ohio, and Juan Vargas of California all voted yes this time. Jared Golden of Maine remained the sole Democrat opposing limits on military action. Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the sole Republican backing the measure. Warren Davidson, also of Ohio, voted present after supporting passage last month.
The pattern underscores fractures in both parties over the scope and duration of operations in Iran. Yet Republican control of the Senate and majority voting cohesion have consistently prevented Democratic war powers efforts from advancing beyond the chamber floor.
Author James Rodriguez: "The math keeps getting worse for Democrats, and Republicans aren't about to let a war powers vote become anything but theater."
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