Senate rejects resolution seeking to end Iran war as most Republicans stand with Trump
WASHINGTON, DC: On Thursday, Sept 24, the Senate voted against a symbolic resolution that urged President Trump to cease the United States' war with Iran, with most Republicans supporting the president even though the conflict is very unpopular.
The resolution was rejected in a 49-50 vote. Republicans Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined Democrats in supporting it. Republicans Jon Husted of Ohio and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, both running for re-election in competitive races, voted against the resolution, along with Democrat John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
A war taking a growing toll
The resolution was approved by the House in July with 214 votes to 208.
Since it was a concurrent resolution merely expressing the sense of Congress and not binding legislation, it would not have been sent to Trump for his signature or veto even if it had passed the Senate, thus making it a mostly symbolic criticism.
The text said, “Congress hereby directs the President to remove the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, including potential ground forces in a combat role or used for occupation, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.”
Since Iran turned the Strait of Hormuz into a war zone in response to military strikes that started in February, prices for gas, diesel, fertilizer, and food have all jumped in the US.
Nineteen US service members have lost their lives in the conflict. According to a recent NBC News poll, just 33% of registered voters say the war was worth it, while 62% think it wasn’t. And when it comes to elections, voters said by a big margin, 57% to 24%, that they’re more likely to back a candidate who opposes the war.
Cracks emerging among midterm candidates
While most Republicans in both chambers continue to side with Trump on the war, some candidates in competitive 2026 elections have defected amid negative public sentiment.
In recent days, GOP Senate candidates like Mike Rogers in Michigan and Rep Ashley Hinson in Iowa have called for ending the war after siding with Trump on it for months.
“It’s more than a message,” Sen Tim Kaine, D-Va, said of the war powers resolution. “Congress has the constitutional power to declare war, not the president. So that’s the reason it doesn’t go to the White House, because the White House can’t veto the Constitution.”
Trump has defended the war as an effort to weaken Iran and prevent the country from building a nuclear weapon.
“Just imagine such a vile regime were ever empowered to carry out large-scale terror attacks from behind a nuclear shield. This was the reality we had to confront. A reality that far too many preferred to ignore,” Trump told world leaders in a speech at the United Nations on Wednesday.
