Congress Fails to Curb Trump's War Powers in Iran

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives narrowly rejected two resolutions this week that would have restricted Donald Trump's authority to wage war against Iran. The Senate measure failed 50-49 on May 13, while a companion House resolution deadlocked in a 212-212 tie on May 14. Both votes were decided by single Democratic members—Senator John Fetterman and Representative Jared Golden—who crossed party lines to oppose the measures.

The legislative push centers on the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional authorization for military actions continuing beyond 60 days. The conflict, which began February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, has entered its 75th day. While the administration argues that an April 7 ceasefire terminated hostilities and paused the 60-day clock, critics point to ongoing naval blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and troop deployments as evidence that the war continues.

Republican support for the president's authority is fracturing. Senator Lisa Murkowski flipped to support the Senate resolution, joining Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul. In the House, Republicans Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Tom Barrett also backed the measure. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the president's actions, asserting that the administration possesses all necessary authorities under Article II of the Constitution.

President Trump, who traveled to Beijing for a summit with Xi Jinping during the votes, dismissed economic concerns regarding rising gas prices, stating his sole focus is preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Democrats have vowed to force weekly votes to maintain political pressure on the administration.