The Senate voted 50-49 on Thursday against a measure that would have required President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran. Three Republican senators—Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Lisa Murkowski—supported the measure, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the only Democrat to oppose it. Senator Mitch McConnell did not participate in the vote due to health issues. This procedural vote would have required an additional vote for final passage.
The vote occurred amid tensions between Trump and several retiring lawmakers concerning the nomination of Todd Blanche as attorney general. Senators John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, and Bill Cassidy have stated they will not support Blanche’s nomination unless the Justice Department confirms that a $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund is no longer active. Trump criticized Cornyn and Tillis on social media and suggested withdrawing Blanche's nomination until they leave office next year.
Despite the ongoing tensions, both Cornyn and Tillis voted against the resolution aimed at restricting Trump’s military actions in Iran. GOP support for Trump's administration regarding Iran has remained consistent following a ceasefire breakdown on July 8, which resulted in the deaths of four service members from Iranian strikes. The resolution was introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and mirrors similar proposals made by Democrats in both chambers of Congress.