Trump Pressures GOP Senators to Block Iran War Powers Resolution

The United States Senate initially approved a non-binding war powers resolution on June 23, 2026, in a 50-48 vote, directing Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran. This followed a similar House approval on June 3, marking the first time since 1973 that both chambers passed such a measure. The resolution served as a rebuke of the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28 and cost an estimated $100 billion.

The legislative victory for the president came on Wednesday, June 24, after a volatile closed-door lunch meeting at the U.S. Capitol. During the meeting, Trump engaged in a shouting match with Senator Bill Cassidy, reportedly calling him a lunatic after Cassidy questioned the administration's transparency regarding war objectives. Following the clash, Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff provided Cassidy with a private briefing on peace negotiations.

In a subsequent late-night vote, the Senate blocked a similar resolution in a 50-47-1 tally. The shift occurred after Bill Cassidy reversed his position to vote against the measure and Rand Paul changed his vote to present to provide the president more negotiating leverage. Trump celebrated the result on Truth Social, claiming the outcome puts Iran on notice. The diplomatic struggle occurs as the administration navigates a 60-day ceasefire memorandum of understanding with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while simultaneously seeking billions in supplemental funding from Congress to replenish munitions.