The Senate rejected a resolution Wednesday that would have blocked Donald Trump from ordering further military strikes on Iran, as concerns continue to grow among lawmakers about Congress’s role in the conflict. The procedural vote failed 52-47, marking the latest attempt to rein in presidential war powers since the fighting began.
Sen. Susan Collins, a frequent Republican critic of Trump, voted against the resolution. Collins said the president’s authority is not unlimited and emphasized that Congress must play a role if the conflict continues beyond legal thresholds, The Washington Post reported.
“I have been clear from the beginning of this military operation that the President’s power is not unlimited as Commander in Chief, as the Constitution gives Congress an essential role in matters of war and peace,” Collins said.
The vote comes as lawmakers weigh support for a conflict that has faced growing scrutiny. Trump threatened last week to destroy Iran’s “whole civilization” before later agreeing to a temporary two-week ceasefire.
Democrats have forced multiple votes under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 in an effort to limit the administration’s actions. All four attempts have failed to pass.
Sen. Rand Paul joined Democrats in supporting the resolution, while Sen. John Fetterman broke with his party to oppose it. Sen. Jim Justice did not vote.
Despite opposing the resolution, some Republicans said they want Trump to consult Congress as the war approaches a key legal deadline. Under the War Powers Resolution, presidents must end military engagements not authorized by Congress within 60 days, unless granted an extension.
Trump initially predicted the conflict would last only four to five weeks, but the timeline is now nearing that legal threshold. He has sent mixed signals about the duration, saying earlier this week the war was “very close to over,” even as additional military actions continued.
“The president recognized ahead of time when he first went into Iran that this was going to be a short-term thing, right?” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said. “We’re probably not going to be dealing with 60 days. Well, here we are,” she said.
In another instance of capitulating to MAGA extremists, Susan Collins voted "no" on a war powers resolution that would put checks on Trump's reckless war in Iran.
She cares more about lining her own pockets than the well-being of Mainers. #MESen pic.twitter.com/BiSRXlf5PB
— American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) April 15, 2026
Collins said she believes congressional authorization would be required if the conflict continues beyond the 60-day mark. She also indicated she would likely oppose extending the war.
“It is very likely that I would vote not to authorize further hostilities,” Collins said.
“I have said from the very beginning that if the military hostilities in Iran continue to that 60th day, then I believe the War Powers Act is implemented, and the president would need congressional authorization to continue the war in Iran,” she said.
Collins also identified the deployment of U.S. ground troops as another threshold requiring congressional approval.
“Another red line,” she said, would be deploying ground troops in Iran, “except in extraordinary circumstances” such as rescue operations.
Democrats have sharply criticized Collins over her votes, particularly as she faces a competitive reelection campaign. The Maine Democratic Party accused her of siding with Trump and allowing continued military action without congressional authorization.
“Susan Collins once again sided with Donald Trump, voting against a war powers resolution and doubling down on her support for his unauthorized war with Iran,” the Maine Democratic Party said.
“Just weeks ago, Collins cast a key vote against legislation that would have stopped Trump from dragging the United States into war without congressional approval. Today, she did it again – refusing to hold Trump accountable and allowing continued U.S. military action without authorization from Congress,” Johnston said.
“And throughout it all, Collins has personally benefited. Since the conflict began, her household’s stock portfolio – including investments in gas and oil – has climbed, increasing by as much as $24,480,” she said.
