The Senate voted 50 to 48 on Tuesday to direct President Trump to halt U.S. military action against Iran, the first time both chambers have passed a concurrent resolution invoking the War Powers Resolution of 1973 to wind down a sitting president's war.

Four Republicans, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, crossed the aisle. Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman was the only member of his caucus to vote no. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, recently admitted to the hospital for an undisclosed matter, and Pennsylvania Republican Dave McCormick did not vote.

The House passed the same measure 215 to 208 on June 3. Because the resolution is concurrent, it does not go to the president for signature and does not carry the force of law. It comes as the administration's memorandum of understanding with Tehran enters a 60-day window to produce a broader nuclear agreement and as Vice President JD Vance returns from technical talks in Switzerland.

How they voted

The tally was the 10th war powers vote Senate Democrats have forced since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began Feb. 28. Past attempts drew as many as four Republican defectors but never enough to pass. With McConnell and McCormick absent, the four GOP crossovers were enough. The House version cleared earlier this month over the objections of Speaker Mike Johnson.

What the resolution does

The measure directs the president to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress passes a declaration of war or a specific authorization. It permits a limited military presence in the region to deter an imminent attack on the United States or its allies. Middle East analyst Laura Blumenfeld told the BBC the vote is "more of a slap on a wrist than a handcuff, because it has no legal binding," but said what it does reflect is "the American people's sentiments." A Reuters-Ipsos poll released Tuesday found 24 percent of respondents felt the war had been worth the cost.

GOP economic objections

Republican objections have centered on the deal's economic terms, including a $300 billion fund to help Iran rebuild, far above the $1.7 billion the Obama administration unfroze under the 2015 nuclear accord. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is retiring, told PBS NewsHour that an estimated $100 billion has been spent and that 13 service members have died and more than 360 have been wounded. Returning to the framework of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Tillis said, "would be an absolute catastrophe." Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said on his podcast last week, "I believe President Trump is getting very poor advice on Iran."

The White House response

Trump called the vote "poorly timed and meaningless" on Truth Social Tuesday night and said it "provided aid and comfort" to Iran. "So, I have Iran on the 'ropes,' ready to go down for the fall... and the U.S. Senate decides to have a poorly timed and meaningless War Powers Act Vote," he wrote. Trump called the four Republicans "losers" who "made my job more difficult." A White House official told the BBC that an April 7 ceasefire means there are no hostilities from which to withdraw forces, and that the resolution passed only because McConnell and McCormick were absent. The administration also maintains the measure is unconstitutional and not binding. Senator James Risch of Idaho warned ahead of the vote that passage would push Tehran to walk away in Switzerland: "If this passes, the Iranians are going to simply stand up and walk away from negotiations."

What comes next

Trump is scheduled to meet Wednesday at the Capitol with Senate Republicans. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is on the Hill seeking roughly $80 billion in supplemental funding for the war, part of a $1.5 trillion defense request. The 60-day clock on the U.S.-Iran memorandum, signed last week, runs alongside Vance's continuing shuttle. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Congress will likely have "some sort of vote" on any final Iran deal.