Senate rejects measure directing U.S. forces to leave Iran hostilities
WASHINGTON — The Senate rejected a resolution Thursday that would have directed the president to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress passed a declaration of war or another law authorizing military force. The vote was 49-50, so the measure did not take effect. Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.HCONRES 89 · FAIL:SECOND:SENATEView source
The result matters because the resolution was an effort by Congress to limit the president’s authority to continue military action against Iran. The House had passed the same resolution, but a concurrent resolution must pass both the House and Senate to be adopted. Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.HCONRES 89 · FAIL:SECOND:SENATEView source
H. Con. Res. 89 would have required the president to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran or parts of Iran’s government or military unless Congress enacted a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force. It also preserved U.S. authority to defend the United States, U.S. forces, diplomatic facilities and allied states from an imminent attack. Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.HCONRES 89 · FAIL:SECOND:SENATEView source
Supporters said Congress had not authorized the conflict. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said, “There has been no congressional declaration of war.” Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cited a Congressional Budget Office estimate that he said put war costs at nearly $40 billion in the first four months. Kim also said at least 19 U.S. service members had been killed and more than 750 injured, and he cited estimates of higher fuel costs for households. Those figures were arguments made by supporters during the floor debate. DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(c) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION, TO REMOVE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITH IRANSenate · 2026-09-24View source
The vote crossed party lines. Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina voted yes. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted no. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., was listed as not voting. DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(c) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION, TO REMOVE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITH IRANSenate · 2026-09-24View source
The available floor debate included no substantive speech explaining the no vote. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, yielded time to Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who spoke on a separate vehicle-security measure. The Senate record therefore establishes the arguments from supporters but not the reasons the 50 senators voting no gave for rejecting this resolution. DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(c) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION, TO REMOVE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES WITH IRANSenate · 2026-09-24View source
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voted yes. His legislative record also lists him as a cosponsor of multiple earlier Senate resolutions directing the removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran. Charles E. SchumerNYView source
Congress can take up another withdrawal resolution, an authorization for the use of military force or other legislation concerning presidential military authority. This vote decided the fate of H. Con. Res. 89, not those potential future measures.