Washington, March 5 (UNI) A bipartisan proposal to curb the war powers of Donald Trump in the war with Iran has failed in the United States senate as military strikes continue.
The War Powers Resolution was defeated by a 53-47 vote, with most senators voting along party lines. The measure sought to require the President to obtain approval from the United States Congress before continuing US military operations against Iran.
If passed, the resolution would have effectively stopped further US military action in Iran unless lawmakers formally authorized the campaign.
Most Democrats supported the measure, arguing that the President had sidelined Congress and offered inconsistent justifications for launching the military campaign. They said lawmakers should play a direct role in decisions that could lead to a prolonged war. Though a number of GOP senators are voicing concerns about the lack of a clear game plan for ending the conflict.
However, the majority of Republicans opposed the proposal, saying limiting the President’s authority during an ongoing conflict could weaken the United States’ position, CNN reported.
Two senators broke with their parties during the vote. Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against the resolution, while Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky supported it, CNN reported.
Two key moderate Republicans, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), who faces a tough reelection, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), whose political base includes Democrats and moderates in Alaska, both voted to block the resolution even as both included notes of caution about the operation.
Susan Collins argues that passing it could send the wrong signal to Iran and undermine US forces involved in the conflict. She stressed that supporting American service members and maintaining consultation between the administration and Congress remain crucial during the crisis.
The resolution was introduced in part by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia and invoked provisions of the 1973 War Powers Act, which allows Congress to require a vote on ending military hostilities.
Supporters of the legislation said it was necessary to ensure Congress fulfills its constitutional role in authorizing war. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer argued before the vote that Americans were weary of prolonged conflicts in the West Asia and warned against rushing into another major war.
Republican leaders, including Senate Majority leader John Thune, defended the president’s actions, saying the commander-in-chief has the authority to order military strikes even without a formal declaration of war from Congress.
The debate in Washington comes as military tensions rise following joint US-Israeli strikes across Iran under Operation Epic Fury, which began on Feb 28. In response, Iran has launched attacks targeting Israel and US-allied countries in the Gulf region.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated the conflict could last up to eight weeks, potentially longer than the timeline previously suggested by the President.
Under US law, the President has to notify the Congress within 48 hours after hostilities begin.
