The Senate delivered a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, approving a resolution calling for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities involving Iran despite an existing ceasefire and White House insistence that the measure is meaningless.
The resolution passed by a 50-48 vote, with Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana joining Democrats in support. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania broke with his party and voted against the measure.
The outcome was aided by the absence of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Dave McCormick, both of whom had opposed similar efforts in the past.
The vote marked the 10th Senate consideration of an Iran-related war powers measure this year. Democrats have repeatedly pushed for congressional votes aimed at limiting presidential military authority regarding Iran, an effort that has gradually attracted support from a small number of Republicans and drawn criticism from Trump.
Earlier this month, the House approved a similar measure by a 215-208 vote, with four Republicans crossing party lines to support it.
Because the legislation is a concurrent resolution, it does not require the president’s signature and does not carry the force of law. White House officials were quick to dismiss its significance.
“Concurrent resolutions do not go to the president and have no force of law,” a White House official said.
The official also argued that the resolution addresses a situation that no longer exists.
“[The resolution] directs the president to remove US armed forces from hostilities against Iran, yet there are no hostilities from which to remove U.S. forces, as hostilities terminated with the ceasefire on April 7th.”
Despite that argument, supporters contend the measure serves as an important statement about congressional authority over military action. Sen. Tim Kaine, who has long advocated for congressional involvement in war powers decisions, said the vote could help prevent future escalation.
“I think it’s a good time to have the vote to say, ‘Hey, if we’re really in a period of maybe some stability here, let’s not just allow it to start up again without Congress being involved in that decision,” he told reporters last week.
A House Democratic aide involved with the effort previously told CNN that supporters believe the resolution would be binding, though the White House disputes that interpretation.
Trump responded sharply after the vote:
The vote highlighted the continuing debate in Washington over the balance of power between Congress and the White House when it comes to military operations abroad. Although the resolution is unlikely to produce any immediate policy changes, it underscored lingering concerns among lawmakers about the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran despite the current ceasefire.
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