The US Senate turned down a War Powers Resolution (WPR) in a 47-53 vote on March 4, declining to impose limits on President Donald Trump's ability to wage war with Iran. If it had passed, the resolution would have required President Trump to seek congressional approval prior to any continued military action.

The vote mostly fell along party lines, with only two senators crossing the aisle—Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R) voted in favor of the resolution, while Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D) voted against it.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives rejected a separate WPR, which would have directed President Trump to cease all military action against Iran unless authorized by Congress through a formal declaration of war or authorization to use military force (AUMF). The vote tally was 212 to 219. Four Democrats—Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, Maine Rep. Jared Golden, Ohio Rep. Greg Landsman, and California Rep. Juan Vargas—joined Republicans in opposing the resolution.

Commenting on US actions in Iran, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) said: "We are not at war. We have no intention of being at war. This is a limited operation. It’s an operation that’s limited in its scope and duration. It has a very clear mission and that mission is nearly accomplished by all estimates."

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to consult Congress "in every possible instance" prior to sending US military forces to a conflict or war. The act requires the president to submit a written report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying US armed forces unless Congress has declared war or authorized the use of force. Sixty days after the first report or date of the first required report, the use of military force is automatically terminated unless otherwise authorized by Congress. The WPR also requires a president to report to Congress about the status of a war at least every six months.

From JURIST, March 5. Used with permission.