Senate Rejects Measure to Restrict Trump's Iran War Powers as Key Republicans Shift Votes

Updated on: June 24, 2026 / 11:37 PM EDT / CBS News

Senate Rejects Measure to Restrict Trump's Iran War Powers as Key Republicans Shift Votes

TL;DR

  • The Senate voted 50-47 to reject a measure restricting President Trump's war powers against Iran.
  • Two Republicans, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted with most Democrats to advance the resolution.
  • The resolution, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, would have required congressional authorization for hostilities against Iran.
  • President Trump had expressed frustration with congressional attempts to limit his war powers.
  • Sen. Bill Cassidy, who initially voted for a similar House resolution, changed his vote after a briefing.
  • Sen. Rand Paul voted present, stating his goal was to give the President more leverage for negotiations.
  • The Trump administration argued that the U.S. is no longer engaged in hostilities with Iran and questioned the constitutionality of the 1973 War Powers Resolution.