The Democratic push to end American military involvement in Iran fell just short in the Senate on Wednesday, losing 49-50 as three Republicans broke ranks but not enough to flip the outcome.
Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon brought forward what Democrats say is their seventh attempt to force a congressional halt to the conflict. The resolution needed 50 votes to advance but found support from all Democrats except Pennsylvania's John Fetterman.
The notable shift came from the Republican side. Alaska's Lisa Murkowski voted yes, marking her first support for ending the war. She was joined by Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine, the same two Republicans who have opposed the campaign in previous votes. Every other GOP senator present voted no.
Murkowski has positioned herself as open to addressing congressional authority over the conflict, though she signaled last month she had concerns about abruptly halting operations. She has said she is working with colleagues on a formal Authorization for the Use of Military Force, similar to measures Congress approved after 9/11 and before the 2003 Iraq invasion. That measure has not yet been released.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer used the vote to criticize Republican senators for what he called enabling Trump's war strategy. He pointed out that several Republicans have stated privately they would want Congress to formally authorize any hostilities continuing past the initial 60-day window, which has already passed.
"We gave Republicans yet another chance to vote with us, honor their words, and hold the president accountable. But they continue to bow a knee to Trump," Schumer said.
The Trump administration has pushed back against the war powers deadline, arguing that because the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, the 1973 War Powers Act's automatic 60-day clock no longer applies. That argument has allowed the military operation to continue without formal congressional action.
The conflict began in February, and Wednesday's vote represents the seventh Democratic effort to end it through the legislative process. The growing Republican defections suggest cracks may be widening, though Democrats remain far short of the votes needed to bypass a presidential veto or force action on their own terms.
Author James Rodriguez: "The cracks in Republican unity on Trump's Iran strategy are real, but three votes doesn't win wars or change policy, and Democrats know it."
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