Senate to Vote on Curbing Trump's Iran War Powers

Democrats aim to force president to get Congress' approval for further attacks

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:28pm

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting the U.S. Capitol building in shades of navy, indigo, and violet, conveying the turbulent political dynamics around war powers.The U.S. Senate's vote to curb the president's war powers reflects the ongoing political battle over the use of military force.NYC Today

U.S. lawmakers will try again next week to pass a resolution to halt the Iran war and force President Donald Trump to obtain Congress' approval for any further attacks, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday, hours after Trump announced a two-week ceasefire.

Why it matters

The vote is the latest attempt by Democrats to reassert Congress' authority over war powers, which they argue the president has overstepped. The Iran conflict has raised global concerns and failed to weaken Iran's government or its nuclear program, while fuel prices have risen.

The details

Schumer called Trump's previous statements about Iran 'unhinged' and criticized the war for failing to achieve its goals. Democrats in Congress have repeatedly tried and failed in recent months to pass war powers resolutions to force Trump to obtain lawmakers' authorization before launching military operations. Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress have almost unanimously backed his policies.

  • On Tuesday, Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire, just before his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks.
  • Next week, the U.S. Senate plans to vote on a resolution to curb Trump's war powers regarding Iran.

The players

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Democratic Leader who announced the upcoming Senate vote to curb Trump's Iran war powers.

Donald Trump

The U.S. president who has ordered military operations against Iran without obtaining congressional approval.

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What they’re saying

“'Congress must reassert its authority, especially at this dangerous moment.'”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic Leader

“'We need a permanent end to Donald Trump's reckless war of choice.'”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader

What’s next

The U.S. Senate plans to vote on a resolution next week to curb President Trump's war powers regarding Iran.

The takeaway

This vote represents the latest effort by Democrats in Congress to reassert their constitutional authority over matters of war, as they argue the president has overstepped his bounds in the Iran conflict. The outcome could have significant implications for the president's ability to order further military action without congressional approval.