Statement on March 4 war powers vote
Susan CollinsU.S. Senator, Maine
Collins explained her vote against the March 4 Iran War Powers Resolution, arguing Iran poses serious and longstanding threats and that passing the resolution at that point would send the wrong message, while affirming that sustained combat operations require full engagement with Congress.
“Passing this resolution now would send the wrong message to Iran and to our troops. At this juncture, providing unequivocal support to our service members is critically important, as is ongoing consultation by the Administration with Congress.”
Official statement
Other statements by Susan Collins in this case
- Senate vote: Yea on H.Con.Res. 86 (Iran war powers)Later: Condemned
- Senate vote: Yea on S.J.Res. 181 discharge (Iran war powers)Later: Condemned
- Senate vote: Yea on H.Con.Res. 89 (Iran war powers)Later: Condemned
Where this statement fits
Do they support the war in Iran?
An issue tracker recording where members of Congress and 2026 congressional candidates stand on continued U.S. military operations against Iran, based on their votes, campaign statements, and public remarks.
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Official statement from Sen. Susan Collins explaining her March 4, 2026 vote against the Iran War Powers Resolution, arguing that passing it then 'would send the wrong message to Iran and to our troops.'
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Six days after the February 28, 2026 U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began, the Senate took up its first war powers resolution of the conflict. Collins, seeking re-election in 2026, voted against it.
After the quotation
Collins shifted as the war passed the War Powers Act's 60-day deadline: on April 30 she voted to end hostilities, saying further military action required 'a clear mission, achievable goals, and a defined strategy.' She later voted yea on H.Con.Res. 86 (June 23) and the S.J.Res. 181 discharge (July 30).
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Defends the administration's position at the outset of the war by voting against and arguing against the resolution, though she frames it in constitutional rather than unconditional terms.
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More from this case
Read the full caseJen Mazzuckelli says she would vote for an Iran war powers resolution
“Yes, I would absolutely support and vote for a war powers resolution ... I also would work to get Congress to draft and pass legislation that would narrow and specify circumstances in which the President could initiate military action without Congressional approval.”Read statement
Carl Lambrecht says he supports the Iran war because Iran should not have a nuclear bomb
“Iran should not have a nuclear bomb. Therefore I support the war.”Read statement
Houston Brignano's campaign says he would vote against an Iran war powers resolution
“On a war powers resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran: Houston would vote no.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Statement on March 4 war powers vote". First published: 2026-09-24. Last updated: 2026-09-24. https://disputeindex.com/events/1579-collins-explained-her-vote-against-the-march-4