USA20 September, 20262 min read
U.S. Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution To Halt Trump’s Iran War, 49-50
Senate rejected the Democratic resolution 49-50 to end the Iran war or seek authorization. House passed measure 220-204 with seven Republicans joining Democrats to curb Trump’s Iran war powers.
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Senate Rejects War Limits
The U.S. Senate rejected a war powers resolution that would have directed President Donald Trump to halt the use of armed forces against Iran, with the chamber voting 49-50 on Thursday.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., pushed the measure forward and said, “They have been carrying water for this ridiculous and illegal war for months and months and months and not listening to their constituents,” as the tally fell short.
The vote came days after Trump threatened to “annihilate” Iran in his United Nations address, and the Senate vote was described as likely the last chance for lawmakers to go on record before November.
The Senate outcome reflected four GOP senators joining most Democrats in favor of the resolution, while Sen. John Fetterman voted against it.
The House had previously approved the resolution in July by a 214-208 vote, but the Senate action still left the war powers question unresolved.
GOP Splits, Democrats Press
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., joined Democrats in voting yes and said, “We’ve got to break the cycle,” as the measure failed to clear the threshold it needed.
Sen. Tim Kaine also framed the resolution as a constitutional dispute, saying, “Congress has the constitutional power to declare war, not the president.”
The vote drew new GOP support, with four Republicans joining Democrats, including Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania remained the lone Democrat to oppose the measure, and the Senate vote was described as a narrow rejection despite the additional Republican backing.
The resolution was presented as a concurrent resolution that would not go to the president for signature or veto, and it was tied to Democrats’ push for a vote before senators left Washington for campaigns.
Gas Prices, Midterms at Stake
The Associated Press linked the Senate vote to rising political anxiety over the Iran war, which it said has been largely blamed for the spike in gas prices and become a flashpoint in the midterm election.
The AP reported that about half of rural American voters believe the economy is worse off now than when Trump returned to office, and it said groceries, gas and healthcare ranked as top pain points.
The AP also said the cost of diesel had “almost doubled, topping $6 a gallon,” while the NBC News report said prices on gas, diesel, fertilizer and food have all risen as Iran turned the Strait of Hormuz into a war zone.
NBC News added that 19 U.S. service members have died and that a recent NBC News poll found just 33% of registered voters believe the Iran war was worth it.
Sen. Tim Kaine argued that the resolution was “more than a message,” and he urged attention to “the American public who’s suffering” and “the 18 families who’ve lost loved ones.”