Key facts
- Senate Republicans voted 47-50-1 to reject a war powers resolution regarding Iran.
- President Donald Trump pressured Republican senators to oppose the measure.
- Sen. Bill Cassidy, who previously voted for a similar resolution, switched his vote after a briefing.
- Sen. Rand Paul voted present on the resolution.
- The vote occurred after Trump berated senators for their previous opposition to his war policies.
Senate Republicans, under pressure from President Donald Trump, voted late Wednesday to reject a war powers resolution concerning Iran. Trump had personally berated GOP senators earlier in the day for allowing a vote to block his actions in Iran, escalating tensions and diverting focus from other legislative priorities.
The measure ultimately failed with a 47-50-1 vote, just before the Senate departed for a two-week recess. This outcome appeared to appease Trump, who had previously called senators who opposed him "losers" and Sen. Bill Cassidy a "lunatic."
Cassidy, one of four Republicans who had previously voted with Democrats on a similar measure, received a briefing on Iran from Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff. He subsequently voted against the new resolution, stating his concerns were addressed. Sen. Rand Paul also voted present, citing a desire to provide Trump with more leverage for negotiations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune reported that Trump was "pleased with the outcome." Trump later thanked Thune on social media and noted the vote switches by Cassidy and Paul, declaring, "This vote puts Iran on notice!"
The resolution was largely symbolic, similar to one passed the previous day. The confrontation also led Trump to delay signing a bipartisan housing bill, which he linked to the passage of his proof-of-citizenship voting legislation.