US Congress split on limiting Trump’s Iran war powers

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a symbolic war‑powers resolution on Thursday, 214‑208, urging President Donald Trump to halt military operations against Iran unless Congress authorises them. Four Republican lawmakers – Tom Barrett, Brian Fitzpatrick, Warren Davidson and Thomas Massie – joined Democrats, with Rep. Pramila Jayapal sponsoring the measure.

Hours later the Senate voted 49‑47 to block a similar binding resolution that would have required congressional approval for any strike on Iran. Republican Senator Susan Collins voted with Democrats, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman sided with Republicans, leaving the effort dead. The divided votes underscore a deep partisan rift over the Constitution’s war‑power provisions as the conflict, which began on 28 February, has already claimed 18 U.S. service members and injured about 100, while raising oil prices and broader geopolitical tensions.

The House and Senate actions are largely symbolic and have not stopped the fighting, but they reflect growing congressional pressure on the executive as the war continues.