The Senate passed a war powers resolution Tuesday in a 50-48 vote, delivering a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump regarding his administration's policy toward Iran. The resolution, which previously passed the House, directs the president to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran.
Four Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the measure: Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Rand Paul. Notably, Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick abstained from the vote. Sen. John Fetterman was the sole Democrat to vote against the resolution.
The White House dismissed the resolution's passage, with an official stating it holds "no significance" and attributing the vote to "Republican absences." The official also noted that "hostilities terminated with the ceasefire on April 7th," implying there are no active hostilities from which to remove forces.
This resolution does not hold the force of law but signifies growing concerns within both chambers of Congress about President Trump's handling of the situation with Iran.
Several Republican senators have expressed a desire to receive more information from the president about ongoing negotiations with Iran. President Trump is scheduled to meet with Republican senators on Wednesday to discuss a range of topics.
The four Republican senators who voted in favor of this resolution have a history of siding with Democrats on previous Iran war powers votes.