Senate Again Rejects Bid to End Iran War, but GOP Opposition Grows

The U.S. Senate on May 13, 2026, rejected a Democratic effort to halt the war in Iran, marking the seventh failed attempt since the conflict began. The vote ended 50-49, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) joining Republicans to block the resolution, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) became the latest GOP defector, voting with Democrats for the first time. Murkowski joined Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in supporting the measure, reflecting growing Republican skepticism toward the war and President Donald Trump’s approach. The White House maintains that hostilities with Iran ceased after 60 days, but Democrats and some Republicans dispute this, citing continued military activity in the Strait of Hormuz and the deployment of 50,000 troops to the region. Murkowski criticized the administration’s claim, stating that hostilities had not truly ended and that the conflict remained active despite verbal assurances. She emphasized the need for congressional approval under the War Powers Act, calling for measures to officially end the conflict and withdraw troops. Democrats, including Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), who sponsored the resolution, argued that daily exchanges of fire between the U.S. and Iran still constituted a war under international law. Merkley acknowledged a reduction in large-scale bombings but insisted that the conflict persisted. Meanwhile, Republicans largely aligned with the administration’s position, viewing the current ceasefire as sufficient to justify inaction. Efforts to draft a new authorization bill, which would limit the operation and set exit criteria, remain stalled due to procedural hurdles and the absence of a clear ceasefire. Murkowski expressed support for measures to end hostilities and bring troops home but opposed any redefinition of hostilities that could allow indefinite conflict without congressional approval. The White House has stated that even if bombings resumed, the president would not seek congressional permission, further complicating efforts to enforce war powers resolutions. Despite the failed vote, Democrats plan to continue pushing for war powers resolutions, leveraging public opposition to the unpopular conflict ahead of midterm elections. The House previously rejected a similar measure last month, and the Senate’s vote underscores the deep partisan divide over the war’s legitimacy and the administration’s authority to continue military operations.