The US Senate passed a war powers resolution demanding President Trump halt his Iran military campaign or seek congressional approval, a legislative rebuke that cleared both chambers for the first time despite an almost certain veto. The vote was 50 to 48, with four Republican defectors—Cassidy, Murkowski, Collins, and Paul—joining Democrats; only Fetterman opposed. The resolution is largely symbolicsymbolic/sɪmˈbɒl.ɪk/L2象征性的，具有象征意义而非实际效果having meaning as a symbol rather than having real power or effect. It marks the first successful passage of such a measure through both House and Senate, reflecting Democrats' effort to reclaim constitutional war powers.
The conflict, launched ostensiblyostensibly/ɒˈstɛnsɪbli/L3表面上；貌似（实际并非如此）used to indicate that something is claimed or appears to be true, but is probably not to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, has proven deeply unpopular; a Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 24 percent of Americans deemed it worth its cost. Prices for oil, natural gas, and fertiliser have spiked due to the Iranian blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Republicans face intensifying electoral pressure ahead of November’s midterms, which will decide control of both chambers. Several GOP senators, including Louisiana’s Cassidy—who lost his primary in May—have shown greater willingness to challenge the president’s agenda.
Proponents, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, argue that the Constitution vests Congress with the sole power to declare war—a prerogativeprerogative/prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/L3特权；专属权利a right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group, especially by virtue of their position eroded by successive presidents. 'The founders understood that the stakes of war were so vast that a decision should never rest with one person,' Kaine said. Conversely, Republican Senator James Risch warned the resolution would weaken Trump’s negotiating position in Swiss peace talks, where a June 17 memorandum aims to establish a ceasefire. 'If this passes, the Iranians will simply walk away,' Risch cautioned, though he acknowledged its symbolic nature rendered it inconsequential.
Notwithstanding the likely veto, the resolution’s passage signals a pivotal moment in the constitutional struggle, as Democrats pledge to continue forcing votes until Congress reasserts its authority. Schumer decried Trump’s 'maximum confusion, maximum chaos, maximum cost' and vowed to keep the issue alive. The ongoing Swiss negotiations remain precariousprecarious/prɪˈkɛəriəs/L3不稳定的；危险的；不确定的not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse, or uncertain, as Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon, violating the ceasefire terms. The war’s deep unpopularity has given Democrats a potentpotent/ˈpəʊtənt/L3强有力的；有效的；有影响力的having great power, influence, or effect campaign issue ahead of the midterms. Consequently, the debate over war-making powers will persist beyond this symbolic vote.
