Senate Reverses Earlier Position, Votes to Support Trump’s Military Posture on Iran

The U.S. Senate, a day after passing a resolution to halt U.S. military action in the conflict with Iran, has voted not to pass a similar war powers measure.

The late-night June 24 vote was 47–50–1.

The swing in support of President Donald Trump came after Trump paid a visit to Congress earlier in the day to discuss White House policy with Senate Republicans and address concerns about the recent memorandum of understanding with Tehran.

Trump also expressed his frustration with Senate Republicans who supported the Democrat-led war powers resolution on June 23, which passed in a 50–48 vote. In that vote, Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) voted with Democrats.

Meanwhile, Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) did not vote, while Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted with Republicans.

Although the resolution lacked legal enforceability without Trump’s signature, it was symbolic of U.S. support for the president’s actions as the Trump administration attempts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Trump warned senators on June 24 that Congress had undermined his negotiating hand with Iran with the resolution.

In the following vote, Paul and Cassidy changed their positions, with Paul voting present and Cassidy voting against. Collins and Murkowski maintained their positions, voting again with Democrats. Fetterman again voted in support of the president.

McConnell, who is working from home this week after a hospital visit, and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), who is campaigning in the Democratic primary for Colorado governor, did not vote.

Trump thanked the Senate for its support.

“Thank you to Leader John Thune, Lindsey Graham, Bernie Moreno, and all. This vote puts Iran on notice!” he said on Truth Social.