US Congress to Vote on War Powers Resolution Limiting Trump's Iran Campaign

Bipartisan effort seeks to reassert Congress' constitutional authority over war declarations.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The U.S. Senate is set to begin voting on a bipartisan war powers resolution that aims to stop the ongoing military campaign against Iran and require any future hostilities to be authorized by Congress. The resolution's sponsors, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, say it is an effort to reclaim Congress' responsibility to declare war as outlined in the Constitution. However, the resolution faces an uphill battle, as President Trump's fellow Republicans hold slim majorities in both the Senate and House and have blocked previous attempts to curb the president's war powers.

Why it matters

This vote represents an ongoing struggle between the legislative and executive branches over the authority to initiate military action. Proponents argue that Congress must reassert its constitutional role, while opponents claim the resolution could undermine the president's ability as commander-in-chief to protect national security interests. The outcome could set an important precedent regarding the balance of war powers between the White House and Capitol Hill.

The details

The bipartisan war powers resolution would require the president to cease military operations against Iran and prohibit any future hostilities without explicit congressional authorization. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, a lead sponsor, says the goal is to force every member of Congress to go on record regarding the use of military force. However, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed confidence the resolution will be defeated, arguing it could endanger U.S. troops and embolden Iran.

  • The Senate is set to begin voting on the resolution on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The House is expected to vote on the measure on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Tim Kaine

Democratic Senator from Virginia and a lead sponsor of the war powers resolution.

Mike Johnson

Republican House Speaker from Louisiana who has expressed confidence the resolution will be defeated.

Donald Trump

The current U.S. president whose military campaign against Iran the resolution seeks to limit.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't have ​the guts to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on a war vote, how dare you send our sons and daughters into war where they risk their lives?”

— Tim Kaine, Democratic Senator (Reuters)

“Imagine a scenario where Congress would vote to tell the commander-in-chief that ​he was no longer allowed to complete this mission. That would be a ​very dangerous ⁠thing.”

— Mike Johnson, Republican House Speaker (AFP via Getty Images)

What’s next

Even if the resolution passes the Senate, it must also pass the House and garner two-thirds majorities in both chambers to survive ⁠an ​expected Trump veto. However, Senator Kaine said that if the Iran conflict continued, ​he and the measure's other backers could try again.

The takeaway

This vote represents the ongoing power struggle between the legislative and executive branches over the authority to initiate military action. The outcome could set an important precedent regarding the balance of war powers, with implications for future presidents and Congresses.