Senate defeats Democratic war powers resolution 48-47

The Senate on Tuesday narrowly rejected a Democratic-led effort to force President Donald Trump to seek congressional authorization for the ongoing military conflict with Iran. The vote, which failed 48-47, came as the administration prepares to sign a preliminary ceasefire agreement with Iran later this week.

The resolution, introduced by Senator Raphael Warnock, a Democrat from Georgia, would have directed the president to remove U.S. troops from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress approved the action. It was the ninth such attempt by Democrats to assert legislative war powers since the conflict began over 100 days ago. The vote largely followed party lines, with four Republican senators-Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky-joining nearly all Democrats in support. Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, was the sole member of his party to oppose the measure.

Democrats argued that a temporary ceasefire announced by Trump and Iranian leaders, with a formal signing expected on Friday in Switzerland, created an opportune moment for Congress to reassert its constitutional role. They expressed...