Congress divided on war powers bids to pressure Trump to avoid Iran war

• The votes followed Trump's announcement to Congress that he restarted the war with Iran after peace negotiations broke down, threatening Republicans' razor-thin majorities ahead of midterm elections
• Oil prices spiked with Brent crude topping $100 and gas prices reaching $4.09 per gallon nationally as the conflict escalated into a deadly new phase
• Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) was the only Republican to vote for the resolution, while Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) was the lone Democrat voting against it

Congressional Summary: War Powers Resolutions on Iran Conflict

Key Developments:

Congress split Thursday on war powers resolutions aimed at forcing President Trump to end military operations in Iran as the conflict enters a deadly escalation phase. The Senate voted 47-49 to kill a joint resolution under the War Powers Act, marking the first Senate vote since Trump announced the resumption of hostilities following failed peace negotiations. The House narrowly passed a concurrent resolution 214-208, though this measure cannot become law and only expresses congressional disapproval.

Political Divisions:

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was the sole Republican supporting the Senate measure, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) was the only Democrat opposing it. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) sponsored the Senate resolution, calling it "an opportunity for Congress to finally take responsibility." Republicans argued that restricting war powers would undermine U.S. credibility. Any congressional action would likely face a presidential veto.

Market Impact:

Oil prices surged past critical thresholds as the conflict intensified:

• Brent crude topped $100 per barrel
• U.S. crude exceeded $91 per barrel
• National average gas prices reached $4.09 per gallon

Political Context:

The escalation occurs months before midterm elections, threatening Republican plans to maintain narrow congressional majorities. Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) downplayed voter concerns about the war, suggesting the election would focus on cost of living issues, despite rising energy prices directly impacting consumers.

The conflict's revival follows weeks of a fragile ceasefire, with economic and political ramifications mounting as oil markets react to increased Middle East tensions.