The Senate rejected a war powers resolution on May 13, 2024, proposed by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) to limit President Donald Trump's authority in the Iran conflict. The measure failed by one vote, with three Republican senators joining Democrats in support.
Key Takeaways
The Senate rejected a war powers resolution to limit President Trump's authority in the Iran conflict, failing by one vote on May 13, 2024. Three Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure.
- The Senate voted 50-49 against advancing Sen. Jeff Merkley’s (D-Oregon) resolution for the seventh time this year.
- Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) broke ranks with Republicans to support the measure.
- All Democrats except John Fetterman of Pennsylvania supported the resolution's advancement.
- The vote highlights growing GOP opposition to Trump’s Iran strategy.
Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) broke ranks with their party to vote for advancing the resolution, marking growing GOP opposition to Trump's Iran strategy. All Democrats except John Fetterman of Pennsylvania supported the measure.
The failed vote was the seventh attempt by Senate Democrats in 2024 to force a vote on ending U.S. military operations against Iran since fighting began on February 28, 2024. The resolution aimed to require congressional approval for continued military action under the War Powers Act of 1973.
The vote highlights increasing Republican resistance to Trump's approach toward Iran. Murkowski stated that she had expected more clarity from the administration after a key 60-day window passed earlier in May but hadn't received it, according to CBS News and The Guardian. Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth argued that the 60-day deadline was irrelevant due to a ceasefire pausing the fighting.
The conflict has raised significant questions about congressional oversight of military actions. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the Department of Defense's cost estimate for the war, which had risen to $29 billion, according to PBS and Fox News. President Trump stated that the fragile truce with Iran is 'on life support' after rejecting their latest proposal.
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