On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the U.S. Senate rejected a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's war powers concerning Iran. The vote was 47 in favor and 49 against, with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine joining Democrats to support the measure. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to oppose it. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky, who had previously supported similar efforts, did not vote.

The resolution, introduced by Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, sought to direct the president to "remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force."

Earlier the same day, the House of Representatives passed a separate war powers resolution by a vote of 214 to 208, rebuking the president amid recent escalations in the conflict with Iran.

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces without a declaration of war, and unauthorized military engagement is limited to 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension. However, the administration argued earlier this year that the 60-day clock did not apply, citing a ceasefire reached on April 7. President Trump stated in a letter to congressional leaders on May 1 that hostilities with Iran had "terminated."

Commenting on the conflict, Sheehy said, "They are there defending us in a just war, because we did not start a war with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, they started it with us 47 years ago, and their attacks have gone unanswered for half a century."

The ongoing debate reflects deep divisions in Congress over the scope of presidential war powers and the U.S. military's role in Iran.

Sources