Washington Senate blocks bid to restrict Iran war | JQJO

Washington, United States – The U.S. Senate on Thursday rejected a Democratic-led war powers resolution that sought to bar further military action against Iran without explicit authorization from Congress, voting 49–47 against advancing the measure. The vote, which saw Republican Senator Susan Collins side with Democrats and Democratic Senator John Fetterman vote with Republicans, reflected deep divisions in the chamber over the direction and oversight of the Iran conflict. Four senators did not participate in the vote. Supporters of the resolution argued that the war had no clear mission, strategy, or end goal, while opponents warned that tighter limits on the president’s authority could undermine U.S. military operations already under way.

Washington, United States – Hours earlier, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly passed a separate war powers resolution, 214–208, with four Republicans joining Democrats to direct President Donald Trump to halt U.S. military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes it. The House measure, introduced by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, is largely symbolic and carries disputed legal force, making it likely the president will ignore it. The votes came after the United States launched a 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets, amid Iranian attacks on U.S. bases and Gulf allies, Houthi strikes on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, and persistent tensions around the vital Strait of Hormuz. The remains of four U.S. service members killed in recent Iran-related attacks were returned home this week in flag-draped cases, underscoring the human cost that continues to shape the debate in Congress.