Senate Republicans have blocked a Democratic-led resolution aimed at ending President Donald Trump’s military campaign in Iran.
The resolution, introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), sought to prohibit Trump from taking further military action in Iran without explicit congressional authorization. It failed on Wednesday, April 15, by a vote of 47-52, largely along party lines.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to support the measure, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was the lone Democrat to oppose it. Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) missed the vote.
Democrats push war powers resolution
Duckworth’s resolution invoked the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires presidents to seek congressional approval for military action lasting beyond 60 days. The measure stated:
“Congress hereby directs the President to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.”
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed to keep pressing the issue, saying Democrats will continue to force votes that put Republicans on record.
“In fact, Republicans just voted AGAINST our War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s Iran war. Senate Democrats will keep forcing these votes and putting Republicans on the record – stand with us and end the war, or cave to Trump and continue it,” Schumer said on X.
While most Republicans stood by Trump, several signaled they may reconsider once the 60-day War Powers deadline arrives at the end of April.
Although most Republicans stood with Trump, cracks are beginning to show. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said the 60-day deadline was a critical point for reassessment.
Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah), writing in the Deseret News, stated he would not support continued military action beyond that window without congressional approval.
On his part, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) has floated a compromise resolution that would grant Trump limited authorization rather than unrestricted power.
Schumer’s offensive and Trump’s position on Iran war
On Tuesday, Schumer blasted Trump’s handling of the war, calling it “Operation Epic Failure.” He pledged to bring multiple war powers resolutions to the floor weekly if necessary.
“We will bring these resolutions to the floor every week. I believe 10 of them have been filed,” Schumer said, framing the effort as a responsibility to U.S. service members.
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Despite the Senate vote, Trump has repeatedly suggested the war is nearing its end. In a Fox News interview on Tuesday, he said:
“I think it’s close to over. Yeah. I mean, I view it as very close to over. You know what? If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we’re not finished. We’ll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly.”
Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo reported that Trump referred to the conflict in the past tense, prompting her to ask directly if it was over. Trump replied: “It’s over.”
Talks aimed at ending the war were held in Islamabad over the weekend but failed to produce an agreement.
Pakistan had brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which remains in effect, and further negotiations are being planned. Since the war began on February 28, 13 U.S. service members have been killed.
