The US Senate has voted down a bipartisan resolution designed to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Iran.
The measure, intended to require congressional approval before additional military action, failed 53-47, largely along party lines.
Democrats criticized Trump for bypassing Congress and giving inconsistent explanations for the strikes, while most Republicans opposed the resolution, though some suggested they might reconsider if hostilities escalate.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the measure Thursday, but the path to passage appears difficult.
The recent military actions began when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks on Israel and US-aligned states in the Gulf.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated the conflict could last up to eight weeks—nearly double the timeline initially suggested by Trump.
Two senators broke with party lines in Wednesday’s vote. Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania opposed the measure, while Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky supported it.
Moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine emphasized that passing the resolution now could send the wrong message to both Iran and US troops, highlighting the importance of supporting service members while maintaining consultation with Congress.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer framed the vote as a choice between supporting “forever wars in the Middle East” or backing the Trump administration’s military strategy.
The president retains broad authority to order military action without a formal declaration of war, but Congress must be notified within 48 hours under the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
While Trump informed Congress via letter, Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the administration complied with legal requirements.
Previous operations, including strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and attempts against Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, also bypassed congressional approval.
The resolution raises critical questions about the balance of war powers between the executive and legislative branches, especially as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
