Fetterman crosses aisle to help Republicans block Iran war powers resolution, Senate vote 49-50

Senate Republicans on Thursday once again blocked a resolution directing President Trump to end the war in Iran. The final vote was 49–50, defeating a measure from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that would have instructed the president to withdraw U.S. troops from Iran and barred military action without congressional approval.

Key Vote Details

• Only three Republicans crossed party lines to support the measure: Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Rand Paul (Kentucky).
• Mitch McConnell did not vote.
• Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted with Republicans against the measure, effectively tanking the resolution, which required only a simple majority to pass.

Fetterman's Record

Although Fetterman ran his 2022 Senate campaign with a progressive platform, his record in office has diverged sharply:

• One of the most outspoken supporters of Israel in Congress
• Supports military campaigns against Iran and Lebanon
• Voted with Republicans to confirm Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin
• Increasingly aligned with President Trump on multiple issues

Broader Context

The House of Representatives has passed two separate war powers resolutions. For a moment, it appeared the Senate might follow suit, but the upper chamber—and one senator in particular—continues to block progress. This was the Senate's thirteenth vote on a resolution to end the Iran war this year.

The stakes continue to rise as the conflict expands:

• The U.S. has resumed airstrikes
• Iran has launched missiles at targets across the Middle East
• On Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command struck dozens of Iranian targets for the first time in days, following Iranian attacks on American military sites earlier this week

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Federal Appeals Courts Strike Down ICE Mass Detention Policy—Twice in One Day

Immigration and Customs Enforcement's mass immigration detention policy suffered two legal defeats on Thursday, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump.

The Rulings

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (Wisconsin-based): In a 2–1 ruling, the majority found that the government could not deny bond hearings to undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. The court determined the administration had improperly applied a rule meant for immigrants "seeking admission" at the border.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (California-based): In a separate 2–1 ruling, the court found the government had misconstrued decades-old immigration laws to justify its actions. The majority opinion was written by Trump appointee Judge Daniel Bress.

Broader Legal Pattern

These rulings follow the same logic as decisions from:

• Eleventh Circuit (Atlanta)
• Second Circuit (New York)
• Tenth Circuit (Colorado)
• Sixth Circuit (Ohio)

Only two federal appeals courts have sided with the Trump administration's mass detention policy as the case moves toward the Supreme Court. These represent the administration's fifth and sixth consecutive losses on the matter.

Context

Mass detention is not merely a step toward achieving Trump's goal of mass deportation—it is also the goal itself.

Read more about ICE: Missouri Couple Found Tied Up and Shot Dead After ICE Deportation

ABC Accuses FCC of "Attempted Censorship" and Retaliation

ABC on Thursday accused the Federal Communications Commission of "attempted censorship" and a clear "retaliation" effort.