US Senate To Vote On War Powers Resolution On Iran

Lawmakers in the United States Senate are set to begin voting on Wednesday on a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military operations against Iran without explicit congressional approval.

The resolution, led by Democrats with some Republican support, seeks to require that any further hostilities against Iran be authorised by Congress, asserting that the US Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war. Sponsors said the vote will force members to make clear where they stand on the widening conflict.

“I do think it’s important to put every member of Congress on the record about this,” Democratic Senator Tim Kaine said ahead of the vote, emphasising that lawmakers must confront the constitutional responsibilities of Congress.

Republican leaders, who hold narrow majorities in both chambers, are expected to oppose the measure. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the war powers vote could endanger US troops and criticised the timing of the resolution following ongoing military operations.

A companion resolution in the House is also expected to be debated and voted on later this week. Even if the Senate and House approve the measure, it could still face a veto from the president and would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override.

The debate comes as the conflict with Iran has broadened, with strikes and counter-strikes involving US and allied forces, raising questions about the legal and strategic justification for prolonged military engagement without congressional authorisation.