Senate Set for War Powers Vote as U.S.-Iran Conflict Costs Soar to $29 Billion

The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote this week on a Democratic-led measure to curb President Trump’s authority in the ongoing Iran conflict. The move comes as the 60-day War Powers Resolution deadline passes, prompting a legal dispute between the White House and Congress. While the administration argues that the month-old ceasefire satisfies legal requirements, Republican unity is showing signs of fatigue. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has already broken ranks to vote with Democrats, and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is reportedly struggling to find support for a separate authorization measure. Financial and intelligence concerns are further complicating the political landscape. Pentagon official Jules Hurst testified that military expenditures have reached $29 billion, driven by equipment repairs and personnel costs. Simultaneously, President Trump has lashed out at media organizations, accusing them of "virtual treason" for reporting that Iran has successfully restored operational status to 30 of 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz. These reports suggest that previous U.S.-Israeli strikes may not have been as effective as initially characterized. On the economic front, administration officials have begun to publicly acknowledge the domestic strain caused by the conflict. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact global energy supplies, leading to higher transportation costs and food prices for American consumers. Brent crude remains volatile, trading near $107 per barrel, as markets remain skeptical about the long-term stability of the current ceasefire and the security of vital shipping lanes.