by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The Senate voted Tuesday to approve a House-passed war powers resolution directing President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, delivering a symbolic rebuke as the administration seeks to secure a lasting peace agreement with Tehran.
The measure passed 50-48 after four Republicans — Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky — joined Democrats in support. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to oppose the resolution.
The vote was made possible by the absence of two Republican senators who were expected to oppose the measure: Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who is recovering from a medical issue, and Sen. David McCormick of Pennsylvania, who was traveling with Trump for an economic event.
Because the resolution is a concurrent resolution, it does not carry the force of law and will not be sent to Trump’s desk for signature. Still, Democrats framed the vote as a constitutional statement that Congress, not the president alone, holds the power to declare war.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the vote sent an “unmistakable” message that the administration should withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran.
Republicans dismissed the resolution as political theater at a sensitive moment, arguing it could weaken Trump’s leverage as he presses Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans would have defeated the measure if not for attendance issues, warning that the vote was the wrong signal while negotiations remain underway.
Sen. Tim Kaine, who has led Democratic war powers efforts, said the current pause in major combat operations made it the right moment for Congress to reassert its authority before the conflict enters another chapter.
The House approved the measure earlier this month by a 215-208 vote, with several Republicans joining Democrats. Tuesday’s Senate vote marked the first time both chambers formally backed a resolution opposing continued U.S. hostilities with Iran, though the measure remains largely symbolic.
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