‘Handcuffing the President’: Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution

Sen. Tim Kaine interviewed at Democratic National Convention

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced War Powers Resolutions after President Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. Trump's actions raised constitutional concerns over presidential authority and the risk of deeper U.S. involvement in conflict with Iran. Democratic lawmakers have particularly criticized the strikes, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) calling for Trump's impeachment.

However, the measure failed in the Senate with a vote of 53-47 on June 27. Only one Republican, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), supported it, while one Democrat, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), voted against it.

Thomas Massie speaks at US Capitol press conference

Massie wrote, "I introduced a War Powers Resolution on Tuesday, while Congress was on vacation. We would have had plenty of time to debate and vote on this."

Donald Trump addresses supporters at campaign rally

GOP strategist T.J. McCormack criticized the effort, stating, "Any daft Republican who would join Democrats in handcuffing the president or in any way rebuking his successful move on Iran would be reserving a seat on the wrong side of history."

Donald Trump speaks at town hall meeting in Flint

McCormack added, "The world was already a safer place before the American B-2s even left Iranian airspace. This was not a declaration of war, but an end to the threat of nuclear war from the Islamo-fascist Iranian regime."

Sen. Kaine questions Secretary Rubio at Senate hearing

Kaine reported bipartisan Senate support for the resolution, with a vote expected before the July 4 recess. It limits presidential military action without congressional input and echoes earlier efforts after the strike on Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.

Tim Kaine at downtown Staunton event opening

Kaine said, "I know I will have Republican support. How much is unclear." He noted, "The day-to-day events will affect this... This is a very evolving situation."

Sen. Kaine delivers remarks at Armed Services hearing

Kaine and other lawmakers have called for stronger congressional control over military decisions. Following the U.S. strikes, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian asserted Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty.

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine portrait

Kaine said, "It is not in our national security interest to get into a war with Iran unless that war is absolutely necessary to defend the United States. I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict."

Laura Mitchell covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.