Senate Rejects Democratic Bid to End Iran Conflict for 5th Time

For the fifth time, the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to reject attempts by the Democrats to end U.S. military involvement in Iran.

The GOP voted down the War Powers Resolution with a 51–46 vote. The resolution directed the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

The original bill was introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Newer versions of the legislation have been introduced and put up to vote. Wednesday’s resolution was sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).

“We should never send our servicemembers into harm’s way unless absolutely necessary,” Kaine posted on X. “It’s clear Trump has no real plan or rationale for his war against Iran. Today, the Senate has another chance to stop the war and save lives. This is too important to give up.”

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) posted on X before the vote.

“Donald Trump has been offering empty promises to end his war for weeks,” Schumer said.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to vote in favor of ending the war. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) was the only Democrat to vote against the resolution.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) voted against the resolution and congratulated President Donald Trump and his team on X on Wednesday for their handling of the Iran conflict. He agreed with Trump’s decision to have a blockade in place, calling it “very smart.”

“It is having a strong effect on the ability of Iran to continue to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism—which they appear intent on doing,” Graham said. “I not only expect this blockade to stay in place until Iran shows a commitment to change their ways, I expect the blockade will be growing and that it could become global soon.”

“This is the best chance since 1979 to change the behavior of the regime and I hope this can be accomplished through diplomacy,” he said.

Democrats have been critical of Trump not getting Congressional approval for the war.

“The American people continue to say loud and clear that they do not want another endless war that puts servicemembers at risk and costs our country dearly when we have so many needs at home,” Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said in a March press release. “If the Senate continues to forsake Congress’s war powers and its responsibility, there will be soon no constraint left on this president or any other to make war whenever they choose, wherever they choose.”

The issue is expected to remain a point of contention as the conflict continues and Congress debates its role in authorizing military action.