Congress Votes to Withdraw U.S. Forces from Hostilities with Iran

A bipartisan majority in Congress has voted in favor of a resolution to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran. The Senate voted 50 to 48 on a Tuesday afternoon, with Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in support.

This measure, although approved by the House earlier, is not legally binding and does not require the President’s approval. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated, “Today, Congress stood up to Donald Trump and voted to end his costly, unnecessary, and devastating war with Iran. The message from the only branch of government with the power to declare war is unmistakable: the Trump administration must withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran.”

President Trump expressed his criticism after the resolution passed the House. He commented on Truth Social that lawmakers voted “to limit my War Powers, right in the middle of my final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Who would do such an unpatriotic thing. They know where the negotiations stand. The Democrats are fueled by Trump Derangement Syndrome. They would rather have our Country fail than give me another, of many, victories.”

The timing of the vote coincides with ongoing U.S. and Iran negotiations to end the conflict, terms of which have faced criticism from both parties.