Senate Rejects Fourth Attempt to Rein In Trump on Iran

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a Democratic measure aimed at reining in President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military actions against Iran.

The resolution, led by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, failed 47-52. It would have required the administration to seek congressional authorization for continued operations. Sen. John Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote against it, while Sen. Rand Paul was the only Republican to support it.

It was the fourth failed Senate vote on such a measure since the conflict began on Feb. 28, and at least seven more resolutions are expected to be brought to the floor in the coming weeks.

The repeated votes are part of a broader Democratic pressure campaign that has unfolded over several weeks. By having different senators file separate privileged resolutions, Democrats have created a rotating strategy that allows them to keep bringing the issue back to the floor.

The goal is to keep the conflict in front of senators and force Republicans to go on the record about their continued support rather than avoid it. Public polling continues to show the war is unpopular with a majority of Americans, and many expressed concerns about the impact on gas prices and other goods as the conflict drags on without a coherent strategy to end it.

Wednesday’s vote came after a more volatile stretch in the war. Diplomatic talks with Iran collapsed during the congressional spring recess, and the U.S. moved ahead with a partial naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, deepening concerns on Capitol Hill that the operation is expanding without a clear endgame.

Republicans largely stuck with the White House, saying Trump is acting within his authority.

“My view is that the administration is in compliance with the war power statute right now. They’re in the midst of the 60-day clock. They’re complying with the notification procedures,” Sen. Josh Hawley said after the vote.

However, as the conflict continues, some Republicans have begun publicly asking what the administration’s plan is and how long the operation could last, while also signaling that Trump would likely need congressional authorization if the fighting extends past the 60-day mark or turns into a ground invasion. That deadline is fast approaching at the end of the month, but it’s unclear whether Republicans will join Democrats to push for congressional approval for continued strikes.

“I hope that at the end of 60 days this conflict will be over,” Hawley added.