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Three Republicans Defy Donald Trump With Iran War Powers Vote

By Hollie Silverman Newsweek
Senate Commerce. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, left, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, right, attend a Senate Appropriations hearing, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Senate Commerce. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, left, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, right, attend a Senate Appropriations hearing, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Julia Demaree Nikhinson AP

Three Republicans, including Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, broke with their party to join Democrats in advancing a measure to curb President Donald Trump's war powers in Iran, though the measure ultimately failed.

The vote highlights emerging fractures within Republican ranks as the conflict passes the 60-day deadline requiring congressional oversight. While the measure failed 50-49, the shift could signal growing pressure on the administration as more lawmakers weigh future votes.

Murkowski joined Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky in backing the effort after she previously opposed similar measures.

This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.

Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, left, and Senator Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, right, attend a Senate Appropriations hearing, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo)
Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, left, and Senator Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, right, attend a Senate Appropriations hearing, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo) Julia Demaree Nikhinson AP

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 1:07 PM.

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