US Senate Fails to Limit Trump War Powers

The United States Senate rejected a war powers resolution on Thursday aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's authority to wage military operations against Iran. The measure failed in a 49-50 vote, marking the second time in two weeks the legislative chamber attempted to force an end to hostilities. The vote followed a heavy wave of retaliatory U.S. airstrikes launched against dozens of targets belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps. The military action came in response to an Iranian missile attack targeting an American base in Jordan, which resulted in renewed fighting after a brief ceasefire collapse. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman broke ranks to vote with Republicans against the measure, making him the only Democrat to do so. Meanwhile, Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky crossed the aisle to vote in favor of the resolution, which would have mandated the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities without explicit congressional authorization. The conflict has stretched past five months, significantly exceeding initial administration projections. The Pentagon has informed Congress that it requires approximately $80 billion more to sustain the war effort, building on more than $37 billion already spent. A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll indicated that roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults view the war as not worthwhile.