The Senate on Thursday rejected an effort to force an end to U.S. military operations against Iran, blocking the measure only hours after the House of Representatives approved a similar war powers resolution.
The Senate procedural vote failed 47–49, preventing the resolution introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) from advancing. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) joined Republicans in opposing the measure, while Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) crossed party lines to support it.
Four Republican senators — Katie Britt of Alabama, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky — did not vote.
Earlier Thursday, the House passed its resolution by a narrow 214–208 margin. The official House roll call showed nine members did not vote.
Four Republicans — Reps. Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania — joined Democrats in supporting the House measure.
The resolution, introduced by Democratic Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado and Pramila Jayapal of Washington, directs President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress provides authorization.
The divided votes underscored the growing confrontation between lawmakers seeking to reassert Congress’ constitutional authority over military action and an administration arguing that the president possesses broad powers to defend American forces and interests.
Trump formally notified Congress on July 10 that hostilities with Iran had resumed following what the administration described as Iranian violations of a previous understanding, including attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a president must report the introduction of American forces into hostilities within 48 hours. Unless Congress authorizes continued military action, forces generally must be withdrawn within 60 days, with an additional 30-day period permitted to complete the withdrawal.
The Trump administration has challenged the constitutional foundation of congressional war powers resolutions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously called the War Powers Act “unconstitutional,” reflecting a long-running dispute between the executive and legislative branches over control of military operations.
Opponents argue that restricting the president during active hostilities could weaken America’s ability to respond to Iran and its regional proxies, including Yemen’s Houthi terrorist organization.
Trump has warned that Iran will be held responsible for additional Houthi attacks against American interests or commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The president has described the Houthis as an Iranian proxy and threatened major military punishment against both Tehran and the terrorist group if such attacks continue.
Although the House resolution passed, the Senate’s rejection means Congress has not adopted a unified demand that Trump end the military campaign. For now, the administration retains operational freedom as the constitutional battle over war powers continues alongside the war itself.
