A bipartisan Senate majority backed a war powers resolution directing the Trump administration to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, a largely symbolic move that nonetheless sharpens the fight over U.S. strategy as negotiations with Tehran contin
On Tuesday afternoon, the Senate chamber delivered a rare, blunt rebuke—one that landed not just on President Donald Trump, but on the negotiations unfolding with Iran.
A bipartisan majority voted in favor of a war powers resolution to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran. The Senate approved the measure 50 to 48. with four Republicans joining Democrats in support: Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. Susan Collins of Maine. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski.
The resolution is not legally binding. It also will not be sent to the White House for a signature. Still, it passed the House earlier this month, setting up a floor fight that has become tightly entwined with the politics of the moment.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., framed the vote as Congress reclaiming its authority. After the Senate tally. he said in a statement that “Congress stood up to Donald Trump and voted to end his costly. unnecessary. and devastating war with Iran.” Schumer added that “the message from the only branch of government with the power to declare war is unmistakable: the Trump administration must withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran.”.
The contrast was immediate—and personal. After the resolution had passed the House, Trump criticized it in a post on Truth Social. He wrote that lawmakers voted “to limit my War Powers. right in the middle of my final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He also accused Democrats of acting out of “Trump Derangement Syndrome. ” saying they “would rather have our Country fail than give me another. of many. victories.”.
Tuesday’s vote arrived while the United States and Iran are engaged in delicate negotiations aimed at permanently ending the conflict. The initial terms of those negotiations have drawn broad criticism from members of both parties. leaving lawmakers—on both sides—arguing not only about what the resolution means. but about what the administration is trying to secure in real time.
Even as the Senate approved the symbolic directive. the political pressure it created was hard to miss: members in favor were trying to force a withdrawal signal. while Trump argued Congress was stepping in during what he described as final negotiations. For now. the resolution does not change law on its own—but it changes the temperature in Washington as the U.S. weighs its next move toward Iran.
U.S. Congress war powers resolution Iran negotiations Donald Trump Chuck Schumer Senate vote Bill Cassidy Susan Collins Rand Paul Lisa Murkowski Truth Social
So they’re voting to end the war but also it’s “symbolic”?? Sounds like politics theater to me.
Not binding and not even sent to the White House so what’s the point. Meanwhile they’re acting like it’ll magically stop Iran talks. I swear both sides just want headlines.
Trump said it’s in the middle of “final negotiations” like… okay but Congress has war powers too, right? Then why are they letting it drag out this long. Also I don’t get how 50-48 is a “rebuke” when it’s basically split.
Rand Paul joining Democrats and Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski too… that’s wild. Makes me think there’s some secret deal or whatever because normal people don’t vote like that unless they’re scared. I mean it says no signature needed but they still can’t just “withdraw” like they’re turning off a switch. Sounds like they’re trying to blame Trump either way.