Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution on Iran 47-53, Confirms Colin McDonald as Assistant Attorney General, and Debates Voter Eligibility Act
The Senate convened to a busy legislative day, marked by a significant vote on a War Powers Resolution concerning the ongoing conflict with Iran, which was ultimately rejected. The chamber also confirmed Colin McDonald as Assistant Attorney General for the newly created National Fraud Enforcement Division. A substantial portion of the day's debate centered on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (S. 1383), with various motions and amendments proposed and debated, though no final disposition was reached on the bill itself. Additionally, a new Senator, Alan Armstrong of Oklahoma, was sworn in, and a bill to improve the Emergency Conservation Program was passed by unanimous consent.
This chamber-day was highly consequential due to the direct vote on ending hostilities with Iran, reflecting a constitutional tension between executive and legislative war powers. The confirmation of a new Assistant Attorney General for fraud enforcement signals a focused effort on combating financial crimes. The extensive debate and procedural maneuvering around the voter eligibility act highlight deep partisan divisions over election integrity and access, setting the stage for future legislative battles on this critical issue.
Directing the Removal of United States Armed Forces from Hostilities Within or Against the Islamic Republic of Iran that Have Not Been Authorized by Congress
S.J. Res. 116Question before the chamber
A motion to discharge the Committee on Foreign Relations from further consideration of S.J. Res. 116, which seeks to direct the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities with Iran.
The case for
Proponents argued that the President unilaterally engaged the nation in war without congressional authorization, violating the Constitution. They highlighted the rising human cost with 13 American servicemembers killed and over 200 injured, the escalating financial burden of billions of dollars, and the lack of clear war aims from the administration. Concerns were raised about the war's impact on global energy prices, the potential for a global recession, and the destabilization of the Middle East, including increased missile attacks in Israel and Iraq. They stressed the need for congressional oversight, hearings, and a vote to end what they called an 'ego-driven forever war' and to prevent further escalation, including the deployment of ground forces.
The case against
Opponents contended that the conflict was initiated by Iran, not the United States, citing decades of Iranian actions that have killed Americans. They asserted the need to support the Commander in Chief and U.S. fighting men and women on the ground, arguing that the conflict needs to be completed. They also claimed that Iran is losing, running out of resources, and that no other nations are coming to its aid, with the exception of those on the other side of the aisle who are trying to help Iran. They urged colleagues to stand behind the military and the President to 'complete the job' and end the regime of the 'last bad actor in the region.'
Disposition
Motion to discharge · recorded vote
Rejected
yeas 47, nays 53
Who is affected
- U.S. servicemembers and their families: Directly affected by deployment, injuries, and deaths in the conflict, as well as extended deployments and maintenance challenges for naval assets.
- American consumers: Experiencing higher costs at the pump, increased airfare, and rising prices for goods due to the war's impact on global energy markets and supply chains.
- Global economy: Facing potential recession and instability due to skyrocketing oil prices and disruptions in critical shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. allies in the Middle East: Experiencing increased missile and drone attacks and regional destabilization, with some nations on the verge of full-scale war.
- Iranian regime and people: Subject to military action and sanctions, with claims of a new, potentially more adversarial regime in power and continued internal unrest.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act
S. 1383Question before the chamber
Consideration of the House message to accompany S. 1383, including various motions to concur with amendments and motions to refer with instructions, particularly concerning new voter identification and registration requirements.
The case for
Proponents argued that requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID for voter registration are 'commonsense policies' that most Americans already support. They asserted that Americans are accustomed to providing documentation for various life activities, such as joining the military, signing up for school, or starting a new job, and that obtaining a birth certificate or photo ID is not an undue burden. They dismissed concerns about married women or those who have lost documents, stating that processes exist for replacement and that the bill includes provisions like affidavits for name changes. They questioned whether opponents believe Democratic voters are 'too dumb' to obtain such documents, suggesting the opposition is based on a desire to allow non-citizens to vote.
The case against
Opponents characterized the bill as a 'giant coverup' for voter suppression, designed to make it harder for millions of Americans to vote, particularly those who tend to vote for Democrats. They highlighted that the bill's new requirements, such as needing a passport (costing $165 and requiring significant time) or a birth certificate (which may not match current legal names for married women), create significant barriers and a 'poll tax.' They pointed out that existing driver's licenses are sufficient for most identification needs and that the problem of non-citizens voting is statistically negligible (77 cases over 24 years). Concerns were also raised about the impact on rural voters who live far from government offices and the potential for chaos in upcoming elections.
Disposition
Motion to table the motion to refer the House message on S. 1383 to the Committee on Rules and Administration with instructions · recorded vote
Agreed to
yeas 53, nays 47
Amendments
- To protect women and girls in athletics. (Thune (for Tuberville-Blackburn)) — Withdrawn
- To require voters to provide photo identification. (Thune (for Husted)) — Cloture motion filed
- To change the enactment date to '4 days after the date of enactment.' (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- To strike '4 days' and insert '5 days' (perfecting amendment to SA 4772). (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- To strike '5 days' and insert '6 days' (perfecting amendment to SA 4773). (Mr. Thune) — Pending
Who is affected
- All American voters: Would face new federal requirements for voter registration and identification, potentially altering the ease and accessibility of voting.
- Married women: Could face challenges proving identity if their current legal name does not match their birth certificate, requiring additional documentation or affidavits.
- Rural voters and low-income individuals: May experience increased burdens due to travel time, costs, and difficulty in obtaining specific forms of identification like passports or birth certificates.
- State and local election officials: Would be required to implement new federal standards for voter registration and identification, potentially preempting existing state laws.
Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General
Question before the chamber
The question of advising and consenting to the nomination of Colin McDonald to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The case for
Proponents lauded Mr. McDonald as the right person to lead the new National Fraud Enforcement Division, citing his exceptional track record as a prosecutor in California and Hawaii. They emphasized his specialization in investigating and prosecuting fraud, money laundering, and tax crimes, and his commitment to protecting American taxpayers from federal program fraud, such as the Medicaid fraud seen in Minnesota. They argued that his confirmation is a critical first step in addressing the ongoing crisis of fraud against the American people.
The case against
Opponents expressed concerns that Mr. McDonald is more committed to political objectives for the President than to fighting waste, fraud, and abuse. They highlighted his supervision of the 'Weaponization Working Group,' which included controversial figures and aimed to 'name' and 'shame' political opponents. They noted his refusal to confirm whether he witnessed violations of Justice Department manual or law by this group, or to condemn the continued employment of a January 6 Capitol rioter within it. Opponents also questioned his willingness to crack down on alleged 'pay-for-play' pardon schemes by the administration, suggesting he is unwilling to stand up to the President's 'grifters.'
Disposition
Nomination · recorded vote
Confirmed
yeas 52, nays 47
Who is affected
- American taxpayers: Expected to benefit from increased efforts to combat federal program fraud, potentially recovering stolen funds and improving program integrity.
- Justice Department operations: The new National Fraud Enforcement Division, under Mr. McDonald's leadership, will shape the federal government's approach to investigating and prosecuting fraud.
- Beneficiaries of federal programs: Could see improved access to intended funds as fraud is reduced, ensuring resources reach those in need.
Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution on Iran
highA motion to discharge S.J. Res. 116, a joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran, was rejected by a vote of 47-53. Proponents argued the war was unconstitutional without congressional authorization, costly in lives and resources, and lacked clear objectives, while opponents emphasized supporting the Commander in Chief and troops in an ongoing conflict initiated by Iran.
Colin McDonald Confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement
highThe Senate confirmed Colin McDonald to lead the Justice Department's new National Fraud Enforcement Division by a vote of 52-47. Supporters highlighted his extensive prosecutorial experience in fraud and his commitment to protecting taxpayers from federal program fraud. Opponents raised concerns about his perceived political alignment with the President and his association with a 'Weaponization Working Group' and controversial personnel.
Extensive Debate and Procedural Maneuvering on Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act
highThe Senate engaged in prolonged debate and multiple procedural actions concerning the House message to accompany S. 1383, known as the 'SAVE America Act.' This included motions to concur with substitute amendments, motions to refer with instructions, and the filing of a cloture motion on a proposed amendment to require photo identification for voters. The debate underscored significant disagreements over voter access, election security, and the burden of identification requirements.
New Senator Alan Armstrong Sworn In
mediumAlan Armstrong of Oklahoma was sworn in as a Senator, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former Senator Markwayne Mullin. Senator Lankford welcomed Mr. Armstrong, highlighting his extensive business experience as the former president and CEO of Williams Companies, and his commitment to public service for the remainder of the year.
Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act Passed
mediumThe Senate passed S. 629, the 'Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025,' by unanimous consent. This bipartisan legislation aims to expedite federal cost-sharing following natural disasters, such as wildfires, and provide flexibility for agricultural producers in completing rehabilitative work, addressing feedback from previous years' wildfire experiences.