Senate votes down Iran war powers resolution 53-47, with Fetterman only Democrat opposed

The Senate voted 53-47 on March 4, 2026, to reject a Democratic-led effort to bring a speedy end to U.S. military operations against Iran. The procedural vote was largely along party lines, with all but one Republican voting against the measure and all but one Democrat supporting it. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) was the lone Democrat to vote against the measure. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was the only Republican in favor. The resolution, offered by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine and Republican Sen. Rand Paul, would have directed the president to withdraw American forces from hostilities within or against Iran that had not been authorized by Congress. Moderate Republicans such as Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, who had previously voted with Democrats on war powers-related resolutions, did not cross the aisle this time. The unsuccessful procedural vote ended Senate efforts to halt the war by using the legal powers provided to Congress under the 1973 War Powers Resolution.