House Democrats Vow to Force Vote on Bipartisan Resolution to Limit Trump’s Military Authority Against Iran

U.S. House Democrats have announced plans to compel a vote of the full House on a bipartisan resolution designed to constrain President Donald Trump’s authority to escalate hostilities against Iran, though the legislation is widely expected to fail.

In a joint statement Thursday, several top Democratic leaders including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said they will push for the vote as soon as Congress reconvenes next week. The resolution, known as the War Powers Resolution to Prohibit Involvement in Iran and co-led by Representatives Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., would require the president to seek congressional authorization before any military action against Iran.

“However, undertaking a war of choice in the Middle East without a full understanding of all the attendant risks to our service members and to escalation is reckless,” the statement read. “We maintain that any such action would be unconstitutional without consultation with and authorization from Congress.”

The resolution’s supporters argue it reasserts Congress’ constitutional authority to declare war amid growing tensions with Iran, but Republicans who control the House have lined up behind Trump’s national security prerogatives. A handful of Democrats have also expressed reservations, citing concerns about limiting U.S. options in a complex international environment.

The legislation would direct President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes such actions—a direct reference to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The statement was endorsed by House Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., and House Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif.

Additional support came from Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee; Rep. Greg Meeks, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee; and Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee.