The U.S. Senate voted down a resolution that would have blocked President Donald Trump from ordering additional military strikes against Iran, handing the administration another victory as lawmakers continue battling over Congress’s authority in wartime decisions.
The procedural vote failed 52-47 on Wednesday, marking the latest unsuccessful attempt by lawmakers to limit presidential war powers since the conflict began.
Democrats and a small number of Republicans backed the measure, arguing Congress must reclaim its constitutional role over war and peace. Most Republicans opposed it, saying the president needs flexibility as commander in chief during an active international crisis.
One of the most-watched votes came from Maine Sen. Susan Collins (R), who opposed the resolution despite frequently criticizing Trump on other issues.
Collins said afterward that presidential authority is not unlimited and that Congress would need to act if the war continues beyond legal time limits.
“I have been clear from the beginning of this military operation that the President’s power is not unlimited as Commander in Chief, as the Constitution gives Congress an essential role in matters of war and peace,” Collins said.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, presidents generally must end unauthorized military hostilities within 60 days unless Congress grants approval or an extension.
That deadline is becoming increasingly important.
Trump initially predicted the conflict would last only four to five weeks, but military operations are now nearing the 60-day threshold. The president has also sent mixed signals, recently saying the war was “very close to over” while additional strikes continued.
Collins indicated she may oppose extending the war if Congress is asked to authorize continued action.
“It is very likely that I would vote not to authorize further hostilities,” she said. She added that if the fighting reaches day 60, congressional approval would be required under the law.
She also identified deployment of American ground troops as another clear red line, except in extraordinary rescue circumstances, as the Conservative Brief reported.
The vote exposed divisions in both parties.
Rand Paul joined Democrats in supporting the resolution, continuing his long-standing opposition to open-ended foreign military action.
John Fetterman broke with many Democrats and voted against it.
Jim Justice did not vote.
Collins immediately faced political backlash in Maine, where Democrats accused her of enabling unauthorized war powers while she prepares for reelection.
The Maine Democratic Party said Collins had once again sided with Trump and refused to hold him accountable.
The failed vote means Trump retains authority to continue current military operations for now, but the legal and political pressure is building.
