Story perspectives

Senate Passes First Bipartisan Iran War-Powers Resolution Since 1973

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Senate approved a war-powers resolution 50-48, the first since 1973 to order the president to end Iran war.
Republican absences, including McConnell’s hospitalization, helped give the majority as Senators Murkowski, Collins, Rand Paul and Cassidy voted with Democrats.
Democratic leaders, citing a Reuters/Ipsos poll that one-quarter of Americans view the Iran war as worth its cost, warned it has raised gas and grocery prices and caused 13 service-member deaths.

History

Historical Context

After secret Cambodia bombings spurred Congress to curb presidential warmaking, the War Powers Resolution was enacted on 7 November 1973, overriding Nixon’s veto with a two-thirds majority and imposing a 60-day deployment limit plus a 48-hour notice requirement. The Senate’s recent 50-48 vote, absent leaders like Mitch McConnell but supported by Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, echoes the narrow bipartisan split that first shaped the law.

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Story summary

The Senate approved a war-powers resolution 50-48, the first since 1973 to order the president to end Iran war.
Republican absences, including McConnell’s hospitalization, helped give the majority as Senators Murkowski, Collins, Rand Paul and Cassidy voted with Democrats.
Democratic leaders, citing a Reuters/Ipsos poll that one-quarter of Americans view the Iran war as worth its cost, warned it has raised gas and grocery prices and caused 13 service-member deaths.

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