The Senate rejected a Democratic attempt to rein in President Donald Trump’s war powers concerning Iran as lawmakers prepared to leave Washington for a two-week recess. The vote overturned a resolution from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., which had passed more than a month ago and had caught Republicans off guard.
Initially seen as a foregone conclusion, the vote shifted after Trump and several Republican senators, including Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, engaged in discussions to change their positions. The administration argued that the previous war powers resolution hindered negotiations with Iran over a long-term peace deal.
Following meetings at the White House, Cassidy and Paul voted to oppose the resolution, citing the importance of giving the president space to negotiate. Cassidy thanked Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for briefing him on Iran, while Paul noted his vote of ‘present’ was intended to provide the administration with leverage.
Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut acknowledged the changing dynamics but warned that the ceasefire with Iran remains fragile. Murphy suggested that Iran is aware of U.S. domestic opinion, which largely opposes continued military engagement.
The vote was seen as a victory for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who worked to sway skeptics. President Trump celebrated the outcome on social media, calling it a message to Iran that the U.S. Congress backs his approach.
This development occurs amid ongoing speculation about the relationship between Thune and Trump, amid broader debates over election-related legislation. Nonetheless, Moreno emphasized that the vote signaled strong congressional support for Trump’s Iran policy.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
