Senate defeats Democrats' 5th attempt to limit Trump's war powers in Iran

Source: CBS News

April 22, 2026 / 5:46 PM EDT / CBS News


Washington — The Senate rejected another attempt to rein in President Trump's ability to use further military force against Iran on Wednesday, marking Democrats' fifth effort to do so since the war began eight weeks ago. In a 46 to 51 vote, a motion to discharge the measure from committee failed. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted with Republicans against it, while GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted with Democrats in favor.

Led by Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, the resolution would have directed the president to "remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force."

The vote came a day after Mr. Trump said he was extending a two-week ceasefire with Iran as the deadline approached, changing course after threatening to resume attacks if the regime didn't accept his terms for a deal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said ahead of the vote Wednesday that while he's "relieved that the ceasefire deadline has been extended," Congress must "seize this opportunity to stop this blunder before the fighting resumes."

Schumer said Democrats will continue to force war powers votes "every week until Republicans see reason and help us end this war." He claimed "they would be doing Donald Trump a favor."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-trump-war-powers-iran/