On Tuesday, the US Senate advanced a resolution aimed at compelling President Donald Trump to withdraw US forces from Iran unless he obtains congressional authorisation. The measure passed 50-47, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support and three others absent.
The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, is procedural and faces significant hurdles before taking effect. Even if it clears the 100-member Senate, it must pass the Republican-led House and secure two-thirds majorities in both chambers to become binding.
The four Republicans voting in favour were Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), Rand Paul (Kentucky), Susan Collins (Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska). While Paul, Collins, and Murkowski have supported similar war-powers resolutions in the past, Cassidy backed such legislation for the first time following a recent primary loss, which Trump had reportedly influenced by endorsing his opponent.
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to vote against the resolution.
Since Trump ordered the attack on Iran at the end of February, Democrats have repeatedly pushed war-powers resolutions requiring the President either to seek congressional approval or withdraw troops. Republican lawmakers have so far blocked three similar resolutions in the House by narrow margins this year.
The 1973 US War Powers Act, enacted in response to the Vietnam War, limits presidential military action to 60 days unless Congress approves a 30-day extension for “unavoidable military necessity.” Without congressional authorisation or an extension, the President is legally required to withdraw forces at the end of the 60-day period.