WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday rejected a symbolic resolution calling for President Donald Trump to end the U.S. war with Iran, with most Republicans siding with the president despite the war’s unpopularity.
Just a handful of Republicans joined Democrats in favor of the resolution: Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
But the majority of the GOP voted against the measure, including Sens. Jon Husted of Ohio and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, who are in some of the most competitive races. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the only Democrat to vote no.
The final vote was 49-50.
The measure passed the House in July by a vote of 214-208. Prices on gas, diesel, fertilizer and food have all risen in the U.S. as Iran has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a war zone in retaliation against military strikes that began in February. Nineteen U.S. service members have died.
A recent NBC News poll found that just 33% of registered voters believe the Iran war was worth it, while 62% believe it was not worth it. By a margin of 57%-24%, voters are more likely to support a candidate who opposes the Iran war.
As a concurrent resolution, the measure expresses the view of Congress. Had it passed the Senate, it would not go to the president for a signature or veto, making it a largely symbolic rebuke of Trump’s ongoing war.
It stated: “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.”
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.”
Kaine has led the charge in the Senate to reassert Congress’ power to declare war, hoping to put pressure on Trump.
“If you don’t want to listen to us, how about listen to the American public who’s suffering? Listen to the 18 families who’ve lost loved ones,” Kaine said. “Listen to the hundreds of troops who’ve been injured. Listen to the families, the eight who tried to commit suicide in the extended appointment on the Lincoln.”
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.
