The Senate narrowly rejected a resolution on Tuesday that would have restricted President Donald Trump's authority to use military force against Iran without congressional approval. The vote fell one vote short of advancing, with a 47-48 tally. Four Republican senators—Susan Collins, Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, and Rand Paul—joined Democrats in supporting the resolution, while Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted against it. The resolution, introduced by Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), aimed to require congressional approval for continued U.S. military action involving Iran.
The vote occurred as lawmakers sought details about a recently announced agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which Trump has promoted as a path to ending months of conflict. Trump declared the deal complete on Truth Social, but Congress remains in the dark about its terms. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said lawmakers are demanding more transparency. Under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, any deal related to Iran's nuclear program must be submitted to Congress for review before sanctions relief can take effect.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) indicated that Democrats are continuing discussions on a separate proposal sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and are seeking additional Republican support. Meanwhile, the House recently approved its own legislation to halt unauthorized military operations against Iran, though it has not been considered by the Senate.