The Senate on Wednesday rejected the latest Democratic effort to force an end to American involvement in the conflict with Iran, even as Republican opposition to President Donald Trump's strategy continued to mount.
Resolution Fails by Narrow Margin
The war powers resolution, proposed by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, failed in a 49-50 vote. All Democrats except John Fetterman of Pennsylvania supported its advancement. Since hostilities began in February, Democrats have repeatedly introduced such resolutions without success. However, for the first time, Alaska's Lisa Murkowski voted in favour, joining fellow Republicans Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine. All other Republicans present voted against it.
Murkowski's Rationale
In a statement following her vote, Murkowski noted that despite the Trump administration's claim of a ceasefire, US forces continue to face attacks in the region while enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. She emphasised that 60 days had elapsed since the conflict began, yet Congress had not formally authorised continued involvement, as mandated by the 1973 War Powers Act. "The administration's own position removes any justification for keeping our servicemembers in harm's way without congressional authorisation," Murkowski said.
One of the few Republican senators to occasionally break with Trump in his second term, Murkowski also announced she would abandon her previously announced effort to introduce an Authorisation for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) in Iran, similar to those approved after the 9/11 attacks and before the 2003 Iraq invasion. "Should hostilities reignite and military action resume, I will reconsider the introduction of an AUMF," she stated. "Until then, I will support measures to officially end hostilities and bring our men and women home. I will oppose any effort to redefine 'hostilities' in ways that allow the president to wage war indefinitely without seeking congressional approval as outlined by the constitution."
Democratic Criticism
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised Republicans for enabling the conflict, noting that several had previously stated they would want congressional authorisation for any hostilities beyond the 60-day mark, a deadline that has since passed. "We gave Republicans yet another chance to vote with us, honour their words, and hold the president accountable. But they continue to bow a knee to Trump," Schumer said.
The Trump administration has argued that because the US and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire, the 60-day deadline for Congress to vote on continuing the conflict no longer applies.
