House rejects war powers resolution to rein in Trump on Iran
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks with the media on the day of classified briefings for the Senate and House of Representatives on the situation in Iran on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 3, 2026.
Kylie Cooper | Reuters
The House of Representatives on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump’s war powers resolution that would restrict his ability to use the U.S. military in Iran.
The vote was 212-219; four Democrats joined Republicans in voting to undermine the measure, and two Republicans joined Democrats in voting in favor of the measure. The Senate withdrew a similar measure on Wednesday.
While the votes were largely symbolic, they show that Congress is not willing to rein in Trump on Iran at this time. Trump bombed Iran on Saturday, killing the country’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump and his administration have announced numerous targets for the conflict.
Democrats and some Republicans argued that Trump needed Congressional approval to carry out the operation. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war.
If approved, the measure would be largely symbolic. Trump is almost certain to veto any bill that would reduce his authority to use the military.
