By Isabella Torregiani
11:32am PDT, Jul 1, 2025
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Democrats came up short in a Senate hearing where they pushed for more oversight on President
Donald Trump's military actions against Iran. The Senate voted on a resolution that would require the president to seek congressional approval before launching additional strikes on Iran — a measure that failed to pass.
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The resolution was rejected in a 53-47 vote during the hearing. One Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, voted with Republicans. On the other side of the aisle, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only Republican to support the measure. Most Republicans argued that Iran poses an imminent threat and that President Donald Trump must have the ability to act swiftly. "Of course, we can debate the scope and strategy of our military engagements," Sen. Bill Hagerty said. "But we must not shackle our president in the middle of a crisis when lives are on the line."
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President Donald Trump launched strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22 — without seeking approval from Congress. Democrats criticized the move, questioning Bill Hagerty's reasoning and arguing that Trump should have consulted Congress first. Lawmakers also said they were left in the dark, with the first formal briefing not taking place until a couple days prior. "The idea is this: We shouldn't send our sons and daughters into war unless there's a political consensus that this is a good idea, this is a national interest," Senator Tim Kaine told the Associated Press. Kaine emphasized that the resolution wasn't about limiting the president's ability to respond to immediate threats but "making the right decision."
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Supporters of the resolution cited the War Powers Resolution of the 1970s, which requires the president "in every possible instance" to "consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces." In a letter to Congress on Monday, June 30, President Donald Trump defended the strikes as "limited in scope and purpose" and "designed to minimize casualties, deter future attacks and limit the risk of escalation." However, some leaders remain skeptical, especially after Trump said he would "without question" bomb Iran again if he believes it's necessary.
