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Senate Blocks War‑Powers Measure, Leaving Trump to Continue Iran Campaign Without Authorization

The Thursday procedural vote keeps U.S. forces engaged and shifts the question of restraint to Congress’s funding choices as stocks of missiles and interceptors fall.

Overview

  • Senators on Thursday narrowly rejected a motion to advance a war‑powers resolution, 50–49, preventing a direct Senate vote that would have forced withdrawal absent a congressional authorization.
  • The House has passed a nonbinding resolution directing removal of U.S. forces unless Congress authorizes the campaign, but that measure cannot by itself end operations.
  • The conflict has produced U.S. military deaths and injuries and carries heavy costs, with the Pentagon estimating about $37.5 billion so far and the White House seeking an $87.6 billion supplemental request that includes $21 billion for munitions.
  • Defense analysts say key interceptors and Patriot and THAAD missile inventories have fallen sharply from prewar levels, raising readiness concerns as lawmakers press for briefings and more transparency.
  • With senators split along party lines and procedural hurdles blocking floor debate, Congress’s decisions on supplemental funding now serve as the de facto mechanism to sustain or constrain U.S. operations and will shape near‑term policy and materiel readiness.