Story perspectives

Senate Rejects War Powers Bill, Trump Keeps Iran Authority

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate rejected the war-powers resolution 50-49 on May 13 2026, leaving President Donald Trump’s Iran authority unchanged.
Republicans Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Rand Paul voted with Democrats, the first GOP support to curb the Iran campaign.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the president retains full authority to resume attacks if the cease-fire fails.
The Pentagon estimates the Iran operation now costs $29 billion, with U.S. forces and a naval blockade still in place.

History

Historical Context

The War Powers Resolution, enacted on 7 November 1973 after secret Vietnam-era bombings and passed over Nixon’s veto, limited presidential deployments to 60 days without congressional approval. In 2026, the Senate again rejected a war-powers measure on a 53-47 vote, echoing the 50-49 defeat of a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s Iran operation.

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Story summary

Senate rejected the war-powers resolution 50-49 on May 13 2026, leaving President Donald Trump’s Iran authority unchanged.
Republicans Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Rand Paul voted with Democrats, the first GOP support to curb the Iran campaign.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the president retains full authority to resume attacks if the cease-fire fails.
The Pentagon estimates the Iran operation now costs $29 billion, with U.S. forces and a naval blockade still in place.

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