The Senate rejected a Democratic-led resolution to limit President Donald Trump's authority to wage war on Iran, with Republicans largely standing behind the administration as a 60-day deadline loomed. The procedural vote, brought by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), failed 47 to 50 on Thursday. The measure would have directed the president to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran. Republican Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.) and Susan Collins (Maine) voted in favor, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was the only Democrat to oppose it.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to remove troops from hostilities after 60 days if Congress has not authorized the war. Trump notified Congress of the hostilities on March 2, making Friday, May 1, the deadline. The president can extend the deadline by 30 days to allow for troop withdrawal. Democrats have introduced multiple resolutions in recent weeks, with some Republicans indicating they may reconsider their stance after the deadline. A few GOP senators are drafting legislation to explicitly authorize military force against Iran, which would bypass the war powers debate.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper testified before the Senate as the conflict's $25 billion price tag and the 60-day deadline approached. While the U.S. and Iran have maintained a ceasefire, Democrats continue to push for votes to limit the president's war powers. Republicans argue Trump has unilateral authority to extend the conflict for 30 more days, though this period is intended for troop withdrawal rather than continued hostilities.