The United States Capitol on March 3, 2026 (Photo: Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON – A seventh attempt to halt President Donald Trump’s military campaign in Iran until he receives congressional approval failed in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday.
The vote was the first test of Senate Republican support for a war powers resolution after the president’s 60-day window for military operations expires.
The vote failed 49-51although in particular, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, decided for the first time to support limiting Trump’s unfettered war on Iran. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, for the second time since April 30, voted in favor.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voted yes and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., opposed the measure, which they both did on previous votes.
Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., did not vote.
House lawmakers are expected to take up a similar resolution on war powers as soon as Thursday.
The war that Trump started on February 28 together with Israel has cost the lives of 13 American soldiers. The newest Pentagon figurines reveal that 404 soldiers were injured during Operation Epic Fury, as the administration called the conflict.
Ceasefire on ‘life support’
Despite the recent exchange of fire between Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz, the administration maintains the operation has ended and says the 60-day clock on hostilities has been stopped when the two countries agreed to the deal cease-fire in April.
But Trump told reporters on Monday that any ceasefire between the two nations is based on a “massive life support system.”
Iranian leaders do disputed the existence of a ceasefire in connection with the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
On Tuesday, Pentagon officials testified in both houses of Congress that the war so far has cost money $29 billionwithout taking into account the damage Iran has caused to US military installations in the region through drones and missiles.
Dem says hostilities are ongoing
Sen. Jeff Merkley, R-Ore., who sponsored the resolution, said Wednesday morning that the Iran war is “nothing like” the victory Trump promised.
“Both sides remain engaged in hostilities. Therefore, I do not accept the suspension of the 60-day clock,” Merkley said.
Asked Wednesday morning whether Republicans were gaining votes ahead of the armed forces resolution, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said lawmakers should support the president while he is abroad and conducting high-stakes meetings with Chinese officials, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
“He’s negotiating with the Chinese on a whole range of issues, some of which are national security issues, and I think it would be best for everyone to stick together and support the president,” said Thune, R.S.D. “But we’ll see. … People have their own opinions on some of these issues.”
Ariana Figueroa contributed to this report.
