The U.S. Senate advanced a war powers resolution on Tuesday that would force President Donald Trump to end the war in Iran unless he obtains congressional authorization. The 50-47 vote marks the first time the chamber has advanced the bill, representing the eighth attempt to do so since the conflict began in February.
The breakthrough occurred as a growing number of Republicans defied the president's wishes. Four Republicans joined nearly all Democrats to support the measure, including Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. Cassidy joined the Republican defectors for the first time, following a primary election loss in which Trump endorsed his opponent.
The resolution comes 80 days after U.S. and Israeli forces began striking Iran, surpassing the 60-day requirement under the War Powers Act for the president to seek authorization from Congress. The move reflects deepening political unease and growing frustration over a foreign conflict with an unclear trajectory.
While the measure remains several steps from going into effect and is viewed as symbolic, it serves as a rare rebuke of the Republican leader. Lawmakers have expressed mounting concern over the conflict's spiraling costs and the mounting financial toll on Americans.