U.S. Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution, Backing Trump's Action on Iran
The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a resolution on May 13 to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran. This was the first congressional vote on the U.S.-Iran conflict after the 60-day authorization period, marking another failed attempt by Democrats to curb presidential war authority.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 04:23
- 🔍 Collected: May 14, 2026 at 04:32 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 14, 2026 at 04:51 (19 min after Collected)
Focus News on U.S.-Iran War
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Washington, May 13, comprehensive foreign wire report) The U.S. Federal Senate today narrowly rejected a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran. This marks the first congressional vote on the conflict since the expiration of the 60-day congressional authorization period for the U.S.-Iran war.
According to Agence France-Presse, this proposal, put forward by Oregon Federal Senator Jeff Merkley, is the seventh attempt by Democrats to constrain Trump's war powers since the outbreak of the conflict 10 weeks ago, all of which have failed. The vote result was 50 votes to 49.
Democrats argue that, according to the "War Powers Resolution," the administration must obtain congressional authorization by May 1, after Trump notified Congress of military action against Iran in early March.
They believe the Trump administration has clearly violated the law; the White House, however, claims that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has put the 60-day congressional authorization period for the U.S.-Iran war on "pause."
Merkley told reporters: "I think many of my colleagues feel uncomfortable with their stance but are also unwilling to oppose Trump."
This legal and political stalemate has become a significant test of the U.S. Congress's dominant position on war powers for over 50 years since the War Powers Act was implemented after the Vietnam War.
Although most Republican lawmakers continue to support Trump, some believe that the expiration of the 60-day period could become a potential turning point. The conflict has entered its 75th day, with military spending continuously increasing and growing doubts about the readiness of the U.S. military.
Merkley admitted before the vote that the Trump administration's "pause the clock" argument has made the entire legal issue more complicated.
Despite the proposal's rejection, the increasing number of Republican senators defecting still encouraged Democrats.
Three Republican senators crossed party lines to support the resolution, one more than in the April vote, allowing Trump to narrowly secure victory with 50 votes to 49.
Democratic Federal Senator Tim Kaine said: "There's another chance to vote next week, and the week after that. We will continue to pressure Republican senators to confront this issue."
The War Powers Act has always been difficult to enforce, as courts are often reluctant to intervene in power disputes between Congress and the White House regarding military actions.
Even if the relevant resolution successfully passes the Senate, it will face severe resistance in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and may be vetoed by Trump. (Compiled by: Liu Wen-yu) 1150514
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Washington, May 13, comprehensive foreign wire report) The U.S. Federal Senate today narrowly rejected a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran. This marks the first congressional vote on the conflict since the expiration of the 60-day congressional authorization period for the U.S.-Iran war.
According to Agence France-Presse, this proposal, put forward by Oregon Federal Senator Jeff Merkley, is the seventh attempt by Democrats to constrain Trump's war powers since the outbreak of the conflict 10 weeks ago, all of which have failed. The vote result was 50 votes to 49.
Democrats argue that, according to the "War Powers Resolution," the administration must obtain congressional authorization by May 1, after Trump notified Congress of military action against Iran in early March.
They believe the Trump administration has clearly violated the law; the White House, however, claims that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has put the 60-day congressional authorization period for the U.S.-Iran war on "pause."
Merkley told reporters: "I think many of my colleagues feel uncomfortable with their stance but are also unwilling to oppose Trump."
This legal and political stalemate has become a significant test of the U.S. Congress's dominant position on war powers for over 50 years since the War Powers Act was implemented after the Vietnam War.
Although most Republican lawmakers continue to support Trump, some believe that the expiration of the 60-day period could become a potential turning point. The conflict has entered its 75th day, with military spending continuously increasing and growing doubts about the readiness of the U.S. military.
Merkley admitted before the vote that the Trump administration's "pause the clock" argument has made the entire legal issue more complicated.
Despite the proposal's rejection, the increasing number of Republican senators defecting still encouraged Democrats.
Three Republican senators crossed party lines to support the resolution, one more than in the April vote, allowing Trump to narrowly secure victory with 50 votes to 49.
Democratic Federal Senator Tim Kaine said: "There's another chance to vote next week, and the week after that. We will continue to pressure Republican senators to confront this issue."
The War Powers Act has always been difficult to enforce, as courts are often reluctant to intervene in power disputes between Congress and the White House regarding military actions.
Even if the relevant resolution successfully passes the Senate, it will face severe resistance in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and may be vetoed by Trump. (Compiled by: Liu Wen-yu) 1150514
Stand with facts, every sponsorship you provide is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.