Image shows the U.S. Capitol on March 3, 2026. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON – The seventh attempt to halt President Donald Trump’s military campaign in Iran until he receives congressional approval failed in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday.
The vote was the first test of Senate Republican support for a War Powers Resolution after the president’s 60-day deadline for military action expired.
The vote failed 49-51although Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, in particular, switched for the first time and supported limiting Trump’s all-out war on Iran. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, for the second time since April 30, coordinated for that.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voted yes, and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., opposed the measure, as they both have already done previous Voices.
Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., did not vote.
House Democrats are expected to pass a similar war powers resolution as early as Thursday.
The war that Trump started with Israel on February 28th cost the lives of 13 American soldiers. The newest Pentagon Figures reveal that 404 military personnel were injured during Operation Epic Fury, as the government calls the conflict.
Ceasefire on “life support”
Despite a recent exchange of fire between Iran and the US in the Strait of Hormuz, the government maintains that the operation is over, claiming hostilities were suspended after 60 days when the two countries agreed to a deal armistice in April.
However, Trump told reporters on Monday that a ceasefire between the two nations was contingent on “massive life support measures.”
Iranian leaders have contested the existence of a ceasefire due to an ongoing US naval blockade against Iranian ports.
Pentagon officials testified before both houses of Congress on Tuesday that the war has had costs so far 29 billion dollarswithout taking into account Iranian drone and missile damage to US military facilities in the region.
Hostilities continue, says Dem
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., who sponsored the resolution, said Wednesday morning that the Iran war was “not remotely comparable” to the victory Trump had promised.
“Both sides are still engaged in hostilities. That is why I do not accept that the 60-day clock will be suspended,” Merkley said.
Asked Wednesday morning whether Republicans would cast votes ahead of the war powers resolution, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said lawmakers should support the president as he holds key meetings abroad with Chinese officials, including China’s leader Xi Jinping.
“He’s negotiating with the Chinese on a whole range of issues, some of which involve national security, and I think it would be best for everyone to stick together and support the president,” said Thune, R-S.D. “But we’ll see. … People have their own opinions on some of these issues.”
Ariana Figueroa contributed to this report.
