WASHINGTON – The US Senate has voted against a resolution that would have required congressional approval for President Donald Trump to carry out further military action against Iran. The move comes just hours after Trump hinted at the possibility of more bombing strikes.
In a 53-47 vote on Friday, the Senate rejected the war powers resolution, with the outcome largely split along party lines. Only two senators crossed party lines: Democrat John Fetterman voted with Republicans, and Republican Rand Paul sided with Democrats.
Senator Tim Kaine, who sponsored the resolution, stressed that the US Constitution gives Congress the sole authority to declare war. He argued that no president should unilaterally launch hostilities against Iran without congressional approval.
“If you believe in the Constitution, whether you’re for or against war with Iran, you’ll support this resolution,” Kaine said before the vote. He has long advocated for reclaiming Congress’s authority over military decisions, regardless of who holds the presidency.
The vote followed recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites after a brief conflict between Iran and Israel. Despite Trump’s claims that the sites were “obliterated,” some lawmakers questioned the extent of the damage during classified briefings.
Meanwhile, opponents of the resolution argued that the airstrike was a limited action that falls within the president’s rights as commander-in-chief. Senator Bill Hagerty warned that requiring congressional approval in emergencies could put American lives at risk.
Although the resolution was unlikely to pass the Republican-led House, it highlights ongoing concerns over unchecked executive power in military matters. This is not the first time such a resolution has been introduced—Kaine’s similar 2020 measure passed Congress but was ultimately vetoed by Trump.