The U.S. Senate on Wednesday blocked a resolution that would have halted U.S. military hostilities against Iran, rejecting a measure aimed at limiting the president’s ability to launch further strikes without congressional approval. The resolution needed 60 votes to advance but received only 53.
Most Republicans opposed the measure, arguing the Constitution gives Congress — not the president — the authority to declare war. Utah Sen. John Curtis said the ultimate goal is ensuring a government “that we don’t have to worry about launching a nuclear weapon at someone,” calling it the main concern with the Iranian regime.
Democrats largely supported the resolution. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine argued lawmakers should be forced to go on record about the conflict. “Every senator should go on record about whether they support this war with Iran,” Kaine said, adding the Constitution’s framers intended that Congress decide before sending Americans to war.
The vote largely split along party lines. Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul broke with his party to support the resolution, while Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted against it. Even if it had passed the Senate, the measure faced long odds in the House and an almost certain veto from President Donald Trump.
For now, the vote allows U.S. military operations against Iran to continue without new congressional authorization, though lawmakers from both parties are calling for classified briefings as debate over presidential war powers continues.
