Sen. Bill Cassidy Breaks With Trump, Supports Senate Debate on Iran War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON — Bill Cassidy broke with most Senate Republicans Tuesday by voting to advance a resolution requiring congressional approval for continued U.S. military action involving Iran.

The Louisiana Republican joined Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul in supporting the procedural vote on the War Powers Resolution introduced by Tim Kaine.

The measure advanced in a 50-47 vote, marking the first time enough Republican senators supported moving the resolution forward for Senate debate.

Cassidy’s vote came just days after he lost Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary following strong opposition from President Donald Trump. Trump had endorsed Cassidy’s challenger, Rep. Julia Letlow.

After the vote, Cassidy said he supports efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program but believes Congress has not received enough information from the administration regarding U.S. military operations.

In a public statement, Cassidy said many Louisiana residents, including Trump supporters, have expressed concerns about the conflict and the lack of clarity surrounding U.S. objectives.

The Senate vote reflects growing debate in Washington over the role Congress should play in authorizing military action overseas. Under the Constitution, Congress has the authority to declare war, though presidents from both political parties have conducted military operations without formal declarations in recent decades.

The resolution does not immediately end military operations. Instead, it seeks to require congressional authorization for extended U.S. involvement.

Several Republican senators did not vote, including John Cornyn.

The Senate is expected to hold additional debate on the resolution later this week as lawmakers continue discussing the scope of presidential war powers and U.S. policy toward Iran.