Senate

Schumer says Senate will vote on Iran war powers resolution next week

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by Ashleigh Fields - 04/08/26 2:23 PM ET

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by Ashleigh Fields - 04/08/26 2:23 PM ET

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday the upper chamber will vote on a war powers resolution to check President Trump’s power over military operations in Iran.

The measure comes as the Trump administration has touted progress on a ceasefire agreement with Tehran and is looking to develop a longer-term peace deal.

“Congress must reassert its authority, especially at this dangerous moment. No president, Democrat or Republican, should take this country to war alone. Not now. Not ever,” Schumer said during a Wednesday press conference.

“Republicans will once again have the opportunity to join Democrats and end this reckless war of choice. The public must demand that Republicans join with us to approve the War Powers Act,” he added.

Democratic lawmakers took strong issue with Trump’s statement alleging Tuesday strikes would wipe out a “whole civilization” if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened.

Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) each backed separate war powers resolutions for the Iran operation last month. All failed.

The House also defeated a bipartisan resolution forcing Trump to terminate military operations against Tehran until the administration can win congressional approval.

But Schumer said it’s time to resume the push to pull back Trump’s power with more support after noting the war caused the country’s credibility to sink “down the drain.”

“This is one of the very worst military and foreign policy actions that the United States has ever taken. Ever taken,” Schumer told reporters.

“And of course, there are other points here. Brave American soldiers have died. Many remain in harm’s way,” he added.

“All of this happens when one man, especially a man acting as unhinged as Donald Trump, has unchecked power to wage war. He backs himself into a corner with dangerous, escalating rhetoric. The entire world holds its breath, wondering what’s next going to come out of his mouth,” he continued.

The Trump administration is working on a long-term ceasefire agreement with Iran this week, which could soon lead to the reopening of the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway.

Trump has suggested that Iran and the U.S. form a “joint venture” in which both countries receive paid tolls for commercial travel through the choke point.

A fifth of the world’s oil supply is transported through the Strait of Hormuz per day during normal conditions.

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