Senate blocks war powers resolution seeking to prevent further conflict with Iran

The Senate on Friday night blocked a resolution that sought to limit President Donald Trump from entering a war with Iran without Congressional authority, in a vote that was largely along party lines.

The vote on the resolution, which was introduced by Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine in the upper chamber, comes after the United States dropped bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities last weekend to eliminate its nuclear program. 

The resolution was blocked in a 47-53 split that was predominantly along party lines. However, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted against the resolution, while Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul voted in favor, per The Hill.

“President Trump protected our country,” Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said on the floor before the vote. “He did it [responsibly], he did it decisively, and he did it constitutionally. I believe [this resolution] is not needed. … It would prevent the president from protecting us in the future.”

The legislation would have required the White House to notify lawmakers and seek approval from both chambers before U.S. forces could take further military action against Iran. But Kaine said he would amend it to clarify that action could be taken without approval in the case of self-defense, if it had passed. 

Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie introduced the resolution in the House, but it has not come up for a vote.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.