Deep political divisions in Congress are likely to give President Donald Trump broad latitude to continue military strikes against Iran as lawmakers struggle to reach consensus on limiting the conflict.
A bipartisan resolution under the War Powers Act aimed at halting further U.S. military action is expected to receive a Senate vote, but it currently has only one Republican supporter: Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky.
Most Republican lawmakers have rallied behind Trump’s authority to conduct military operations without additional congressional approval.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the president already has the authority needed for the ongoing campaign. “I think the president has the authority that he needs to conduct the activities, the operations that are currently underway there,” Thune said after a Senate GOP policy lunch.
Other Republicans echoed that view. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said presidents from both parties have historically ordered strikes without seeking authorization from Congress. “I’m not aware of any Supreme Court case that says the president cannot do that,” Kennedy said.
Democrats strongly disagreed, arguing the strikes lack a clear strategy and risk dragging the United States into another prolonged Middle East conflict. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said public support for the war is weak. “If the case for war were strong, it would be consistent. Instead, the rationales change by the hour,” Schumer said.
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, the lead sponsor of the war powers resolution, warned the law allows the president to use military force for only 60 days without congressional approval.
Despite those concerns, Republicans are expected to block the measure, leaving Trump with significant operational freedom in the coming weeks.
