Fetterman and McCormick vote against Iran War Powers resolution

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(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick voted on Wednesday against an effort to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran.

Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote against this resolution, which failed 49-50. 

Although most Republicans, including McCormick, also voted to reject it, three Republicans crossed the aisle to support the resolution. 

Politico reports that Wednesday’s action was the closest a war powers vote came to passing the Senate in the “seven attempts since the war began.”

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who has led the effort since late February, described the military action against Iran as “illegal” and called on the U.S. Senate to return to session and “vote on my War Powers Resolution to block the use of U.S. forces in hostilities against Iran.”

The 1973 War Powers Resolution “requires military operations to wind down after 60 days, unless Congress authorizes continued action,” according to Politico. The news outlet also noted that the vote on Wednesday was the first vote taken since the legal deadline has passed.

Fetterman didn’t issue a public statement following his vote on Wednesday but has been a vocal opponent against the effort from his fellow Democrats since the beginning of the war. 

On Feb. 28, Fetterman shared a screenshot of an Axios article titled “Democrats demand war powers vote after U.S. strikes Iran.”

Fetterman’s response to that was “Committed Democrat here. I’m a hard no. My vote is Operation Epic Fury.”

Committed Democrat here.I’m a hard no. My vote is Operation Epic Fury. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/VTiFcWbzqG

— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) February 28, 2026

McCormick, a military veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Gulf War, didn’t issue a public statement regarding that vote on Wednesday either, but did express his support for the Trump administration’s handling of the war during a telephone town hall.

“I thought the decision to go to Iran was a good one, because after the bombing of the nuclear facilities last summer, what we saw was Iran doubling down on its ballistic missile program and also trying to restart his nuclear program,” McCormick said. “This is a regime that’s had more American blood on its hands than any other country.”

McCormick continued to describe the military campaign from the United States as “very successful,” while pointing to the destruction of missiles, drones, launchers, and other manufacturing capabilities. 

“It's a fork in the road, and I hope Iran will choose the right fork to give up its enriched uranium, give up its nuclear program, and keep the strait open, and if they do, the people of Iran will have a great and prosperous future,” he said. “But we're at a decision point, and I think in the coming days and weeks, Iran will make a choice, and if it doesn't choose the path of peace, I'm afraid we're going to have to take further military action.”

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-17th District, is a Navy veteran and has been outspoken in his criticism of the war since Feb. 28. He issued another statement on Wednesday afternoon, doubling down on his position.

“End the war. Bring the troops home,” he sent out in a social media post on Wednesday afternoon.

The Hill reports that Democrats believe that the deadline expired on May 1, while some Republicans argue the 60-day period hasn’t passed, “because the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in early April.”

A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll national survey showed that a majority of 60% of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling Iran, up from 54% in March. Meanwhile, 33% approve, and 7% are unsure. More than seven in ten Republicans (72%) approve of the president’s approach. However, more GOP members now disapprove (22%, up from 15%) than in March.