“I think it would be best if everybody hung together and supported the president.
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Senate Advances Iran War Powers Resolution 50-47 in Historic First
May 19, 2026
The Senate voted 50-47 on May 19, 2026 to advance a war powers resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran — the first time such a measure succeeded after seven prior failed attempts. Four Republicans crossed party lines: Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Bill Cassidy (who flipped after losing his Louisiana GOP primary). Sen. John Fetterman was the lone Democrat to oppose. The resolution must still pass a final vote and clear the House before reaching President Trump, who is expected to veto.
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Statements Recorded
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9 Statements
“While I support the administration's efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, the White House and Pentagon have left Congress in the dark on Operation Epic Fury. In Louisiana, I've heard from people, including President Trump's supporters, who are concerned about this war. Until the administration provides clarity, no congressional authorization or extension can be justified.
“Vote by vote, Democrats are breaking through Republicans' wall of silence on Trump's illegal war. For more than 80 days, Trump has dragged America into a costly, chaotic conflict with no plan, no objective, and no legal authority. Today proved our pressure is working: Republicans are starting to crack, and momentum is building to check him.
“Further military action against Iran must have a clear mission, achievable goals, and a defined strategy for bringing the conflict to a close. I voted to end the continuation of these military hostilities at this time until such a case is made.
“President Trump's war of choice against Iran should be called 'Operation Epic Failure.' The Trump Administration refuses to give Congress straight answers about the war, is demonstrating dangerous incompetence, and continues to mislead the American people about the realities of this war and all that it has failed to accomplish.
“You've got a timeline that has taken us beyond the 60 days. I thought that perhaps we would get more clarity from the administration in terms of where we are, and I haven't received it.
“President Trump's deeply unpopular war of choice in Iran has imposed a tremendous cost on the American people—including deaths and injuries of our servicemembers and soaring gas prices. For several weeks, my colleagues and I have been forcing votes in the Senate to ensure we have a real debate about whether it's in our national interest to continue this war. I'm grateful that today, enough of my colleagues stood up for the Constitution and listened to their constituents.
“I'm not for adding more debt, I think adding more [debt] makes us less safe. I think the war should come to a conclusion as soon as possible.
“Something like this is much more important than just voting what your base might demand. Because I think things are much bigger and more important than that. And Iran with a nuclear bomb is one of those things. Why don't we want to just make sure Iran just can't build a nuclear bomb? That's what it's really about, right? It's not an extreme view.