Fetterman Breaks With Democrats to Sink Iran War Powers Resolution

Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to vote against the resolution. Four Republicans—Rand Paul, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis—joined Democrats and independents in supporting it, while Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks did not vote. If Fetterman had switched his vote with everything else unchanged, the measure would have passed 50-49.

The House had already approved the measure 214-208 on July 23, with four Republicans joining 210 Democrats. The resolution invoked the War Powers Resolution and called for U.S. forces to be removed from hostilities with Iran without a declaration of war or other congressional authorization.

The September vote was the Senate’s 14th consideration of an Iran war-powers measure since the conflict began on February 28. Rising fuel costs have also become part of the debate, with AAA data cited by the Associated Press showing diesel prices above $6 per gallon. The Washington Post

Fetterman’s position is consistent with his previous public support for the administration’s Iran campaign. In April, he defended the military operation and said he believed U.S. actions had made the world safer. Fox News

The vote demonstrated significant cross-party disagreement over the scope of presidential war powers even as the resolution ultimately failed.