Sens. Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego respond after war powers resolution fails

Mar 5, 2026, 7:50 AM

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) listen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol Building on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

PHOENIX – Arizona’s U.S. senators expressed frustration after their chamber failed to pass a war powers resolution related to the ongoing military campaign in Iran.

Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, who both served in the military, joined most of their fellow Democrats in voting for the legislation, which failed Wednesday by a 47-53 margin.

Kelly called out Republicans for failing to stand up to President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“Trump and Hegseth just dragged our country into a war that Americans didn’t ask for, and Senate Republicans couldn’t even stand up to them on it when given the chance,” Kelly said in a post on X. “They have no end goal and no idea how long it’s going to last, and apparently that’s no problem for my Republican colleagues.”

Trump and Hegseth just dragged our country into a war that Americans didn't ask for, and Senate Republicans couldn't even stand up to them on it when given the chance. They have no end goal and no idea how long it's going to last, and apparently that's no problem for my…

[https://t.co/Ndo9pdUavW]— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly)

[March 5, 2026]

A war powers resolution would give lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out.

“President Trump illegally dragged the United States into a conflict with Iran without congressional authorization and without explaining the rationale, the strategy or end goal. Now, six Americans are dead, and Trump said we should expect even more. This is not in our country’s best interest,” Gallego said in a statement. “The American public has been very clear that we don’t want another forever war. This vote should have made it clear we’re on their side.”

The Senate vote fell mostly along party lines, though Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted in favor and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against.

The House was preparing to vote on similar legislation Thursday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.