Senate Republicans again block Democratic effort to end Trump's Iran war

Iran warSenate Republicans again block Democratic effort to end Trump's Iran warThe vote shows that Republicans are still standing with Trump to continue the war, even as polls show it is unpopular. But some in the GOP say they may change their mind after 60 days.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Iranians look at portraits of victims reportedly killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on the residential building near which they are displayed, in Tehran on Monday.AFP via Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 15, 2026, 2:58 PM EDTBy Sahil Kapur and Frank Thorp VWASHINGTON — Senate Republicans voted down a resolution Wednesday pushed by Democrats to prohibit President Donald Trump from taking further military action in Iran.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The vote was 47-52, largely along party lines.Once again, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the only Republican to vote for the measure and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the only Democrat or independent to vote against it. (Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., missed the vote.)It was the latest instance of Republicans rejecting attempts to end the war or rein in Trump’s authority to act without congressional approval. While Trump has said for weeks he wants the war to wrap up soon, there is no clear end in sight.The measure, offered by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., says: “Congress hereby directs 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."FORSUBSCRIBERS00:0000:00How we know what's going on in the Strait of Hormuz01:50Despite the vote, some Republicans have indicated they will be less deferential to Trump once the war hits 60 days, which will come at the end of April. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires presidents to get congressional approval for military action that goes bey...