Senators are scheduled to vote Thursday on halting military action in Iran as rising fuel prices strain voters ahead of the midterm election.
Senators in Washington are set to vote Thursday on a war powers resolution to stop President Donald Trump’s military action in Iran, as surging fuel prices become a central fight in the midterm election.
The vote comes days after Trump threatened to “annihilate” Iran during a speech to the United Nations. Lawmakers view the vote as likely their final opportunity to take an official stance on the war before November, as several Republicans begin breaking away from the president.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who sponsored the measure, said Republicans “have been carrying water for this ridiculous and illegal war for months and months and months and not listening to their constituents,” adding, “And now they finally are.”
Rising fuel prices shake Republican support
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said he is leaning toward backing the resolution, stating, “We’ve got to break the cycle.”
The military conflict began on Feb. 28 and has lasted more than seven months. During that time, energy prices have surged, with diesel costs nearly doubling to more than $6 a gallon, according to AAA. A survey by The Associated Press and KFF found that about half of rural voters believe the economy has deteriorated since Trump returned to office, listing gas, groceries and healthcare costs as their main difficulties.
Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, who recently campaigned for GOP candidates in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, urged Trump to deliver a prime-time address explaining the strategy and end goal in Iran. “People are confused about the war and upset about the cost of living,” Kennedy said.
Other Republicans still back the president’s authority. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., opposes the resolution, saying, “My own view is that the focus right now needs to be on attacking the cost of living issues.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the shifting Republican stances, remarking, “Now all of a sudden they’re waking up.”
Past votes and funding fights
Thursday’s action marks the 14th time the Senate has considered a war powers resolution since the conflict began. War powers resolutions do not have the full force of law and do not require the president’s signature, serving instead as formal statements of congressional opposition.
Earlier this month, the House passed its third war powers resolution against the military action, with seven Republicans voting in favor alongside Democrats. Among them were Rep. Zach Nunn and Rep. Mariannette Miller Meeks from Iowa.
The Senate previously approved a war powers resolution in June with the help of four Republicans. The next day, those Republicans reversed their positions after Trump berated them during a private lunch. GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana defended his vote in a shouting match with Trump, but later opposed the measure after a White House briefing.
The war has cost $43.5 billion so far, and an administration request for an extra $87.6 billion funding package has stalled in Congress. Before Republican leaders abruptly sent lawmakers home to campaign, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over the conflict.
