Senate advances Iran war powers bill as Cassidy flips after primary loss

Published May 19, 2026 6:16pm ET | Updated May 20, 2026 10:58am ET



The Senate advanced an Iran war powers bill, aiming to force an end to the war with Iran, after Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) flipped his vote fresh off a resounding primary loss.

The bill had previously been shot down because of a lack of Republican support. Cassidy is the key defection, as he previously withheld voting in favor of a measure that is sure to anger Trump. With nothing to lose, he signaled he was now in favor.

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