The Senate voted on Tuesday to advance legislation that would compel President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from the ongoing conflict with Iran, marking a significant defection among Republicans. The 50-47 vote saw Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy switch his position after losing his primary election, a race in which President Trump endorsed his opponent.
Since President Trump ordered an attack on Iran in late February, Democrats have repeatedly forced votes on war powers resolutions. These measures require the president to either secure congressional approval for military engagement or withdraw troops. Previously, Republicans had managed to block such proposals.
However, Cassidy's shift proved crucial. Three Republicans were absent, and their votes could have defeated the measure had they been present and maintained their stance. The vote underscores growing unease among Republicans over a conflict that shows no signs of ending, remains in a fragile ceasefire, and has contributed to rising gas prices in the United States.
Republican Defections Mount
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer declared, "Republicans are starting to crack, and momentum is building to check him. We are not letting up." Republican Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who had previously voted for similar resolutions, did so again. Cassidy supported the legislation for the first time, while Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania remained the only Democrat to vote against it.
After his primary loss, Cassidy returned to Washington defiant, stating he was proud of his work to uphold the Constitution and would carefully consider future votes on Trump administration priorities. Trump's grip on the Senate Republican Conference appears to be slipping, as evidenced by Cassidy's defection and the president's endorsement of a primary challenger to Senator John Cornyn of Texas.
Cassidy wrote on social media, "While I support the administration's efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, the White House and Pentagon have left Congress in the dark on Operation Epic Fury. Until the administration provides clarity, no congressional authorization or extension can be justified."
House to Vote on Similar Measure
The House is expected to vote on a similar war powers resolution on Wednesday, with Democrats optimistic about its passage. Another such resolution narrowly failed last week, ending in a tie. Even if Congress passes legislation compelling Trump to withdraw, compliance is uncertain. The White House has claimed it has technically ceased "hostilities" with Iran due to a ceasefire, potentially circumventing the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
Trump stated this week that he ordered preparations for an attack on Iran on Tuesday but called it off to allow Gulf allies more time to negotiate with Iran. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut remarked on the Senate floor, "Peace negotiations are stuck, and so day after day, grocery prices climb, gas prices climb."
Lawmakers Demand More Information
Patience on Capitol Hill is waning for a war launched without congressional approval. Republican Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota expressed support for Trump's decision but noted growing concerns among Republicans about a long-term plan. "The War Powers Resolution does provide an avenue for discussion and debate," Rounds said, adding that he believes it is not the right time for such debate but that many members feel it is time to have it.
Earlier this year, Republican senators voted to advance a war powers resolution on the conflict with Venezuela, compelling the Trump administration to justify the military campaign to Congress. A handful of GOP senators forced a final vote on legislation to withdraw from that conflict, though two Republicans—Sens. Todd Young of Indiana and Josh Hawley of Missouri—ultimately flipped after Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to a public hearing on the administration's Venezuela strategy.
