(Adnkronos) – The United States Senate is preparing to vote on a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at blocking the military campaign against Iran initiated by President Donald Trump without explicit congressional authorization. The measure, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, aims to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war, imposing an end to American participation in hostilities unless there is a new favorable vote by parliament. The initiative appears destined to fail in the Republican-controlled upper house and, even if approved, would risk a presidential veto.
Democrats accuse Trump of ordering airstrikes without consulting Congress, while Republican leadership defends the White House’s actions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the president “is acting in the best interest of the nation and national security,” arguing that he already possesses the necessary authority for ongoing operations, conducted alongside Israel. Kaine, however, reiterated that “we should not be at war without a debate and a vote,” emphasizing that adherence to constitutional procedures also serves to protect US military personnel.
The resolution needs at least 50 votes to pass, but some Democrats have already announced their opposition, making the support of several Republicans necessary, which is currently unlikely. A similar initiative is also expected in the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson, however, called it “dangerous” to now limit the powers of the commander-in-chief. Even if the text were to pass both Chambers, broad qualified consensus would be needed to overcome a potential Trump veto.
