Key facts
- The US Senate approved legislation directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran.
- The vote was 50-48, with four Republicans joining Democrats.
- This is the first time both chambers of Congress have passed a concurrent resolution directing a president to end military action since the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
- The resolution is largely symbolic and does not go to the president for signature or veto.
- A White House official stated the resolution has no significance and no force of law.
The U.S. Senate approved legislation on Tuesday directing President Donald Trump to halt U.S. military action against Iran, marking the first time both chambers of Congress have passed a concurrent resolution directing a president to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities since the War Powers Resolution was enacted in 1973. The Senate voted 50-48 in favor of the measure, which had previously passed the House of Representatives. Four Republicans joined all but one Democrat in supporting the resolution. The vote is seen as a setback for Trump, particularly as his administration is expected to request significant funding for the conflict. Legal experts note that the constitutionality of the War Powers Act remains unsettled, with the White House asserting it is not binding and that the resolution has no force of law. A White House official stated that the resolution is insignificant because hostilities were terminated with a ceasefire on April 7.