THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Congress Declines to Demand a Say in the Iran War Council on Foreign Relations Articles Share By experts and staff Published March 6, 2026 2:25 p.m. James M. Lindsay CFR Expert Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy Share The Constitution vests the power of declaring war with Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they have deliberated upon the subject, and authorized such a measure. —George Washington, “ Letter to William Moultrie ,” August 28, 1793 The simple, the received and the fundamental doctrine of the constitution, that the power to declare war … is fully and exclusively vested in the legislature; that the executive has no right, in any case to decide the question, whether there is or is not cause for declaring war. —James Madison, Helvidius Number 4 , September 14, 1793 The Executive has no right to compromit the nation, in any question of war. —James Monroe, Letter to James Madison , August 2, 1824 So much for original intent . Congress had the opportunity to this week to demand that President Donald Trump get its authorization for what he has called “ major combat operations ” against Ir…

Senate fails to advance war powers resolution to halt US action against Iran Lisa Mascaro Associated Press Published: June 16, 2026 at 5:23 PM Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., walks from the chamber to his office at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite, Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) WASHINGTON – The Senate tried and failed again Tuesday to advance a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran , in what has become an almost weekly effort to rein in President Donald Trump as the administration floats a new plan to bring an end to the nearly four-month long war. Senators of both parties have have been skeptical of the Trump administration's emerging Iran deal and frustrated by the White House's refusal to share details. They are expecting a briefing from the administration, but nothing has been scheduled before Friday's planned deadline for the two sides to sign the agreement. Recommended Videos The vote was 47-48, with four Republicans joining most Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution. That fell short of the majority needed to advance i…

[2026-03-04] Kaine, Schumer, and Schiff Slam Blocking of Iran War... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) slammed the Senate’s failure to pass their bipartisan War Powers Resolution that would have stopped President Donald Trump’s illegal, unnecessary war with Iran and ensured any U.S. participation in hostilities against Iran be explicitly authorized by Congress. It would not have prevented the U.S. from defending itself or Israel from an Iranian attack. “No one is disputing that Iran has been a bad actor. But the civilian leadership of our country owes it to our servicemembers and their families that we will only send them into harm’s way if it is absolutely necessary—and that if we do, we will have clear objectives and a plan that has been fully thought through,”said Senator Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees.“The President and his Administration’s changing and contradictory statements underscore that they rushed into a war without thinking of the consequences that this will have for the American people, our economy, and stability in the regi…

Trump Tells His Side After Shouting Match With Senators - TIME Hours after a heated closed-door confrontation with Senate Republicans, President Donald Trump on Wednesday decried the Senate for voting to end the war with Iran, saying that he believes the timing of the measure could interrupt ongoing negotiations and give Iran more leverage. “We’re doing great in our negotiations with Iran,” Trump said when asked by TIME in the Oval Office whether the Senate vote had complicated talks. “Right in the middle of one of the key things, which we’re going to get anyway, we have breaking news: The Senate has voted that they’d like Trump to stop the war.” “So Iran sees that,” Trump continued, “They go, ‘What’s that all about?’ No, you know it’s meaningless.” Trump’s comments followed an increasingly bitter meeting with Senate Republicans that erupted into a shouting match behind closed doors on Wednesday, as the President angrily confronted members of his own party over the Senate’s vote rebuking his handling of the war in Iran. The confrontation unfolded during a private lunch meeting at the Capitol, where Trump had originally been expected to pressure senators to advance his election leg…

Senate fails to advance war powers resolution - Spectrum News Senate fails to advance war powers resolution to halt U.S. action against Iran BY Associated Press Nationwide PUBLISHED 5:44 PM ET Jun. 16, 2026 PUBLISHED June 16, 2026 @5:44 PM SHARE WASHINGTON — The Senate tried and failed again Tuesday to advance a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran , in what has become an almost weekly effort to rein in President Donald Trump as the administration floats a new plan to bring an end to the nearly four-month long war. What You Need To Know The Senate tried and failed again Tuesday to advance a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran It has become an almost weekly effort to rein in President Donald Trump as the administration floats a new plan to bring an end to the nearly four-month long war Senators of both parties have have been skeptical of the Trump administration’s emerging Iran deal and frustrated by the White House’s refusal to share details They are expecting a briefing from the administration, but nothing has been scheduled before Friday’s planned deadline for the two sides to sign the agreement Senat…

Senate Republicans reject war powers resolution after Trump berates ... President Donald Trump said he had a “really great meeting” with Senate Republicans Wednesday after a tense GOP luncheon and his abrupt cancellation of a bipartisan housing bill signing — the latest sign of friction with congressional Republicans. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., heads to a closed-door Republican policy meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President Donald Trump turns to depart after speaking with reporters as Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., from left, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., listen on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Donald Trump, escorted by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., heads to a meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., speaks to reporters as Republican senators arrive for a closed-door lunch at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to prepare for a meeting with President Donald Trump Wednesday. (AP Photo/J.…

Senate fails to advance Iran war powers resolution - ABC News The procedural vote came after the U.S. strikes on Iran. The Senate on Wednesday rejected a Democratic-led Iranwar powers resolutionthat called for congressional approval for military action against Iran. The procedural vote, which directed the removal of United States armed forces from hostilities within or against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress, failed by a vote of 47 to 53. Sen. Rand Paul, who co-sponsored the resolution, was the only Republican to cast a vote in favor of it. Sen. John Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote against it. This resolution will not go forward in the Senate, though Democrats have left open the possibility of filling another Iran war powers resolution in the future. It comes after recentU.S. strikes on Iranthat killed several Iranian leaders,including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran. Democrats who forced the vote said Wednesday afternoon's vote was important to get lawmakers on the record about the president's authority to take military action in Iran. "Today every senator, every single one, will pick a side: Do you stand with the American people w…

Senate Set to Vote on Limiting Trump's War Powers During Ongoing Iran ... Washington — The Senate defeated a war powers resolution that sought to block President Trump from using further military force against Iran , rejecting a Democratic push to rebuke the president amid the administration's shifting justifications for the war and warnings about more American casualties to come. In a 47 to 53 vote, the resolution fell short of the simple majority it needed to advance. With Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voting against the measure, it needed the support of at least five Republicans. Only GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky supported it. It's the second time in less than a year that Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia forced a vote on a war powers resolution related to Iran. The upper chamber voted down a similar effort in June 2025, after the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. Kaine's resolution , which was cosponsored by Paul, would "direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress." Though the war powers vote was expected ahead of the strikes on Iran over…

Senate blocks restrictions on Trump using military in Iran war - NBC News Add NBC News to Google Senate fails to pass measure limiting Trump's military action in Iran 02:22 Get more news Live on Share Add NBC News to Google March 4, 2026, 5:29 PM EST By Scott Wong and Frank Thorp V WASHINGTON — The GOP-led Senate on Wednesday rejected a war powers resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to carry out further military action against Iran . Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. The vote was 47-53, short of the simple majority needed to move the resolution to the Senate floor. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to join Republicans in voting no, while Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only Republican to join Democrats in voting yes. The resolution , introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., calls for removing “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.” Add NBC News to Google NBC News poll shows most voters disapprove of how Trump has handled …

Senate fails to advance war powers resolution to halt US action against Iran Lisa Mascaro Associated Press Published: June 16, 2026 at 5:23 PM Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., walks from the chamber to his office at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite, Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) WASHINGTON – The Senate tried and failed again Tuesday to advance a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran , in what has become an almost weekly effort to rein in President Donald Trump as the administration floats a new plan to bring an end to the nearly four-month long war. Senators of both parties have have been skeptical of the Trump administration's emerging Iran deal and frustrated by the White House's refusal to share details. They are expecting a briefing from the administration, but nothing has been scheduled before Friday's planned deadline for the two sides to sign the agreement. Recommended Videos The vote was 47-48, with four Republicans joining most Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution. That fell short of the majority needed to advance i…

Senate Republicans again reject effort to halt Trump's Iran war Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-led Senate on Wednesday rejected the latest Democratic attempt to halt President Donald Trump’s war in Iran , turning aside a resolution that would require the U.S. to withdraw forces from the conflict until Congress authorizes further action. The 47-52 vote was the fourth time this year that the Senate has voted to cede its war powers to the president in a conflict that Democrats say is illegal and unjustified. Republicans say they will keep faith in Trump’s wartime leadership, for now, citing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the potential for ongoing talks and the high stakes of withdrawal. Still, GOP lawmakers are anxious for the conflict to end, and some are eyeing future votes that could become an important test for the president if the war drags on. And the outcome of a war powers vote in the House, expected this week, is uncertain. President Donald Trump pretends to aim a sniper gun while speaking with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia D…

Senate Rejects Effort to Halt Trump's Iran Strikes 47-53 — Fetterman ... After four weeks of war with no end in sight, American families face rising costs at the pump and checkout, highlighting the toll of unchecked conflict. Shino Nakamura/Unsplash The US Senate on Wednesday voted 47-53 to reject a war powers resolution that would have forced President Donald Trump to end military operations in Iran without congressional approval. This marks the third failed attempt to stop a conflict that has already cost taxpayers $11 billion (£8.3 billion) and sent gas prices to their highest level in more than two years. Democrats' Third Bid to End the War Falls Short The resolution, led by Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, would have directed the removal of US armed forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress formally declared war or passed a specific authorisation for military force. Every Democrat except Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted to advance the measure. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only Republican to break ranks and support it. 'All of us, all 100, swore an oath to the Constitution,' Booker said on the Senate floor. 'Billions of taxpayer dollars. Hundreds…

War powers vote to stop Iran hostilities fails in House POLITICS U.S. Congress Add Topic Congress won't halt Iran war after another measure to curb Trump fails Against a mostly united GOP, neither chamber of Congress could pass war powers resolutions this week to immediately pull back U.S. forces in the Middle East. Zachary Schermele USA TODAY Updated March 5, 2026, 6:57 p.m. ET Hear this story WASHINGTON – Congress has officially opted not to immediately halt U.S. involvement in the rapidly escalating Iran war after a pair of back-to-back votes went down unsuccessfully in the Senate and House of Representatives. A House vote on March 5 over a war powers resolution failed mostly on party lines. Republicans nearly uniformly batted it down, with the help of a few Democrats. It came after a similar doomed vote the prior day in the Senate. The blocked measures would've immediately halted American hostilities against Iran. Most Republicans in both legislative chambers held together in opposition to them, standing by President Donald Trump 's decision to attack the country and launch a regional war that has killed more than 1,000 people , primarily Iranians and at least half a dozen Ame…

In reversal, Senate votes to block war powers resolution, delivering ... Earlier, GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy clashed with Trump over an previous measure. Hours after President Donald Trump blasted Sen. Bill Cassidy for supporting a war powers resolution that narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday, Cassidy helped to deliver Trump a victory by voting with the majority of Republicans late Wednesday to block a separate resolution aimed at reining in the president's war powers in Iran from advancing. The Senate voted 47-50-1 late Wednesday to block a war powers resolution led by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine from moving forward. The resolution, which aims to limit Trump's ability to wage war in Iran but does not have the force of law, had narrowly advanced in a previous procedural vote. It was a remarkable departure for Louisiana Republican senator who, just hours previously, wasin a shouting matchwith the president during a lunch between Trump and the GOP conference. Cassidy said he later received a briefing from Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Iran. "I want to thank Vice President Vance and Special Envoy Witkoff for the thorough briefing this afternoon on Iran. …

Senate fails to advance war powers resolution - Spectrum News Senate fails to advance war powers resolution to halt U.S. action against Iran BY Associated Press Nationwide PUBLISHED 5:44 PM ET Jun. 16, 2026 PUBLISHED June 16, 2026 @5:44 PM SHARE WASHINGTON — The Senate tried and failed again Tuesday to advance a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran , in what has become an almost weekly effort to rein in President Donald Trump as the administration floats a new plan to bring an end to the nearly four-month long war. What You Need To Know The Senate tried and failed again Tuesday to advance a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran It has become an almost weekly effort to rein in President Donald Trump as the administration floats a new plan to bring an end to the nearly four-month long war Senators of both parties have have been skeptical of the Trump administration’s emerging Iran deal and frustrated by the White House’s refusal to share details They are expecting a briefing from the administration, but nothing has been scheduled before Friday’s planned deadline for the two sides to sign the agreement Senat…

Congress looks for Trump's exit plan as the Iran war drags on Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., descends an stairwell after a vote at the Capitol, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner) House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., is directed to a vehicle after arriving with President Donald Trump on Air Force One, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., to attend the casualty return for the six crew members of an Air Force refueling aircraft who died when their plane crashed in western Iraq while supporting operations against Iran. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., speaks with reporters after the Senate Committee on Intelligence hearings on Capitol Hill Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One, Friday, March 20, 2026, at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) The Pentagon and the surrounding area is seen in this aerial view in Washington, Jan. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trumptook the United States to war…

Senate fails to advance war powers resolution on Iran war | AP News Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., walks from the chamber to his office at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate tried and failed again Tuesday to advance awar powers resolutionthat would halt theU.S. military action against Iran, in what has become an almost weekly effort to rein inPresident Donald Trumpas the administrationfloats a new planto bring an end to the nearly four-month long war. Senators of both parties have have been skeptical of theTrump administration’s emerging Iran dealand frustrated by the White House’s refusal to share details. They are expecting a briefing from the administration, but nothing has been scheduled before Friday’s planned deadline for the two sides to sign the agreement. The vote was 47-48, with four Republicans joining most Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution. That fell short of the majority needed to advance it. “Join me in putting a check on this president’s lawless warmongering,” saidSen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., who proposed the resolution, in a speech before the voting. “The ti…

Senate fails to block US involvement in Iran war - USA TODAY POLITICS U.S. Senate Add Topic Senate fails to block US involvement in Iran war Republicans largely stood behind President Donald Trump's military incursion alongside Israel in the Middle East. Zachary Schermele USA TODAY Updated March 4, 2026, 8:31 p.m. ET Hear this story WASHINGTON – The Senate on March 4 failed to advance a war powers resolution to halt military hostilities against Iran and end American involvement in the escalating regional war . The measure failed on a 47-53 vote. Most Republicans – except for Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky – voted to oppose the measure. Most Democrats, except for Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, supported it. While the blocked vote dealt a blow to Democrats' efforts to stymie the conflict in its early days and reassert the role of Congress in going to war , it succeeded in accomplishing a more political goal: pushing Republicans to officially declare their support for President Donald Trump 's campaign to reshape the Middle East. In doing so, lawmakers in the GOP will be forced to fully own the unpredictable consequences of the widening conflict. For those who've built political ca…

Senate fails to advance war powers resolution to halt US action against Iran Lisa Mascaro Associated Press Published: June 16, 2026 at 5:23 PM Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., walks from the chamber to his office at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite, Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) WASHINGTON – The Senate tried and failed again Tuesday to advance a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran , in what has become an almost weekly effort to rein in President Donald Trump as the administration floats a new plan to bring an end to the nearly four-month long war. Senators of both parties have have been skeptical of the Trump administration's emerging Iran deal and frustrated by the White House's refusal to share details. They are expecting a briefing from the administration, but nothing has been scheduled before Friday's planned deadline for the two sides to sign the agreement. Recommended Videos The vote was 47-48, with four Republicans joining most Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution. That fell short of the majority needed to advance i…