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Senate Rejects Iran War Powers Resolution, 49-50

The Senate voted 49-50 on Sept. 24 against a resolution to end US hostilities with Iran. Here is what it said, how senators voted, and what could come next.

ByPeter
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The Senate rejected a resolution directing President Donald Trump to end U.S. hostilities with Iran on Sept. 24, voting 49 to 50, according to Senate roll call 244. Four Republicans, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul and Thom Tillis, joined Democrats in voting yes. Democrat John Fetterman voted no, and Sen. Alsobrooks (D-Md.) did not vote. The House had adopted the measure, H.Con.Res. 89, 214 to 208 on July 23.

At a glance

  • Measure: H.Con.Res. 89, sponsored by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), introduced Apr. 23 (Congress.gov).
  • Votes: House 214-208 (July 23); Senate 49-50 (Sept. 24).
  • Effect: a “concurrent resolution” expresses the view of both chambers. It is not sent to the president, so even passage would have been largely symbolic, NBC News reports.
Empty legislative chamber with rows of dark wood desks facing a central marble and wood rostrum
AI-generated illustration

What the measure does

The text, quoted by CBS and NBC, would have directed the president “to remove the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” unless Congress explicitly authorizes the fighting through a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.

It relies on the War Powers Resolution of 1973. That law says a president must notify Congress within 48 hours of starting military hostilities and caps unauthorized engagements at 60 days, with a 30-day extension to withdraw safely. CBS News reports that administrations of both parties have argued for decades that removing troops through a concurrent resolution is unconstitutional and cannot bind the president. Fox News described the measure as one that would have gone to the president, which conflicts with CBS and NBC; this article follows Congress.gov’s classification as a concurrent resolution.

Where it stands

  • Late February: the U.S.-Iran war begins, NBC and CBS report.
  • Apr. 23: Jayapal introduces H.Con.Res. 89.
  • May-June: Democrats force a series of votes. The Senate advances a measure by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in May with four Republicans and some absences; in June the same four back a separate House-passed resolution, but a day later Kaine’s effort falls short, CBS reports.
  • July: the administration notifies Congress that military action has restarted, CBS reports.
  • July 23: the House adopts H.Con.Res. 89, 214-208.
  • Sept. 24: the Senate rejects it, 49-50.

CBS counts more than a dozen war-powers votes since the war began. NBC reports 19 U.S. service members have died and that its poll found 33% of registered voters say the war was worth it and 62% say it was not.

What supporters and critics say

On the Senate floor, Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said Democrats had come to the chamber 11 times in 208 days, and cited at least 19 service members killed and more than 750 injured (Congressional Record). Tillis, who is leaving the Senate, told reporters the 60-day deadline had passed: “We know the resolution’s not gonna pass, but it is important to start saying, ‘We deserve an update,’” Fox News reported. Kaine said some Republicans were “listening to their constituents,” adding, “nothing makes you listen as much as an election staring you in the face.”

Most Republicans voted no, including Sens. Jon Husted and Dan Sullivan, NBC reports. The reports reviewed quote no detailed rebuttal from those senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said there is “voter fatigue” with high fuel prices and hoped the administration is “laser-focused” on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump told reporters he gives “no credence” to the election when it comes to Iran, saying, “The only thing that does is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”

What happens next

Nothing further can happen to H.Con.Res. 89: it was rejected. CBS describes the vote as expected to be the last chance to weigh in before the midterm elections on Nov. 3, though Democrats have pledged to keep forcing votes. The Senate is out until Nov. 9, according to the Senate Daily Press. A new resolution would need to be introduced after Congress returns.

Sources

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