The United States Senate on Tuesday voted to move forward with a war powers resolution aimed at compelling President Donald Trump to end military operations in Iran unless Congress formally authorises continued involvement.
The measure passed the procedural stage with a 50-47 vote, marking the first time the Senate has successfully advanced the resolution after seven previous failed attempts since the conflict began in February.
Four Republican senators joined nearly all Democrats in supporting the motion.
Among them was Senator Bill Cassidy, who recently lost his party’s primary in Louisiana after Trump endorsed his opponent.
Explaining his decision, Cassidy criticised the administration for failing to provide Congress with sufficient information about the military operation.
“While I support the administration’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, the White House and Pentagon have left Congress in the dark on Operation Epic Fury,” Cassidy wrote on social media after the vote.
“In Louisiana, I’ve heard from people, including President Trump’s supporters, who are concerned about this war. Until the administration provides clarity, no congressional authorization or extension can be justified.”
Republican senators Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Susan Collins also backed the move, maintaining their previous support for the resolution.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the only member of his party to vote against advancing the bill. Three Republican senators did not participate in the vote.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the outcome as a sign that pressure was mounting on Republicans to challenge Trump’s handling of the conflict.
“Vote by vote, Democrats are breaking through Republicans’ wall of silence on Trump’s illegal war,” Schumer said.
“For more than 80 days, Trump has dragged America into a costly, chaotic conflict with no plan, no objective, and no legal authority. Today proved our pressure is working: Republicans are starting to crack, and momentum is building to check him. We are not letting up.”
Although the vote advances the resolution, it still faces several hurdles before becoming law. Even if it clears both chambers of Congress, Trump is expected to veto it.
Democrats, however, see the process as an opportunity to force Republicans to publicly define their position on the war.
The resolution’s sponsor, Senator Tim Kaine, argued that lawmakers should openly debate the rationale and long-term consequences of the military campaign.
“The Senate should use this moment to do what we should have done before the war started – discuss the rationale, strategy, end state, and costs to American taxpayers and our economy,” Kaine said before the vote.
