US Senate Passes Resolution to End Iran War, Delivering Rare Rebuke to Trump

The US Senate voted 50-48 to approve a war powers resolution directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran, marking a rare bipartisan challenge to the president’s foreign policy. The measure had already passed the House of Representatives earlier this month, making it the first war powers resolution since 1973 to clear both chambers of Congress.

Bipartisan Support Emerges in Congress

The resolution passed largely along party lines, but four Republican senators Susan Collins, Rand Paul, Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in supporting it. Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against the measure, while Republican Senators Mitch McConnell and David McCormick were absent.

The vote reflects growing concern in Congress over the conflict that began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. It also comes as the Trump administration is expected to seek tens of billions of dollars from Congress to help fund the war effort.

White House Calls Vote Meaningless

President Trump criticized the resolution, calling it “poorly timed and meaningless.” The White House argued that the measure has no legal force because it does not require presidential approval and claimed hostilities effectively ended with the April 7 ceasefire.

Legal Battle May Follow

The War Powers Act was designed to give Congress authority over military conflicts, but legal experts say the issue remains unresolved. Representative Gregory Meeks, who sponsored the House measure, said he believes the resolution is binding and plans to pursue legal action if necessary.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine argued that the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to decide when the nation goes to war. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also said Congress is expected to review and vote on any future peace agreement with Iran involving its nuclear program.