Senate Republicans Reject War Powers Resolution After Trump Pressures GOP Lawmakers

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans voted late Wednesday to reject a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority in the ongoing conflict with Iran, reversing course a day after a similar measure had passed the chamber in a rare rebuke of the administration.

The vote came after President Trump held a closed-door meeting with Republican senators at the Capitol, where he sharply criticized lawmakers who had supported efforts to curb his war powers. The president reportedly expressed frustration over Tuesday’s approval of a Senate resolution seeking greater congressional oversight of military operations against Iran.

The latest resolution was defeated by a vote of 47-50-1, with several Republicans who had previously broken ranks returning to support the administration’s position. Senator Rand Paul voted “present,” while Senator Bill Cassidy, who had backed an earlier measure, opposed the new resolution after receiving a White House briefing on developments related to the Iran conflict.

The dispute has highlighted growing tensions within the Republican Party over U.S. involvement in the Iran war and the balance of power between Congress and the presidency in matters of military action. Critics argue that congressional authorization should be required for extended military operations, while supporters of the administration contend that the president needs flexibility to conduct foreign policy and national security operations.

Tuesday’s earlier vote marked the first time the Senate had approved a war powers resolution related to the Iran conflict, reflecting bipartisan concerns over the administration’s military strategy. However, the subsequent reversal underscored Trump’s continued influence over congressional Republicans as lawmakers seek to maintain party unity ahead of upcoming elections.

The controversy comes as the administration continues diplomatic efforts and military operations linked to the Iran conflict, while Congress remains divided over the scope of presidential war-making authority under the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Resolution.