House Republicans block Democratic war powers vote on Iran

House Republicans on Thursday rejected an attempt by Democratic lawmakers to restrict President Donald Trump’s war powers amid a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md. A group of House Democrats led by the House Democrats tried to pass a war powers resolution unanimously in a pro forma session Thursday morning. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., who chaired the pro forma, exited the session before recognizing the Maryland Democrat on stage.

The war powers measure, backed by House Democratic leadership, would have ended the Iran conflict and prevented Trump from taking further military action without congressional approval.

After Smith adjourned the session, Ivey said, “Congress needs to consider this. It’s time. It’s time.”

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The debate came as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DY) demanded that the House GOP leadership immediately reconvene the chamber and vote to check Trump’s war powers in Iran. The House is currently on a two-week recess and is not expected to formally reconvene until the week of April 13.

“A two-week ceasefire is woefully inadequate. Accordingly, we have requested that the House return to session immediately to vote on our resolution to permanently end the war in the Middle East,” Jeffries wrote in his “Dear Colleague” letter Wednesday. he wrote.

Jeffries’ request came after Trump announced a temporary ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday evening, with administration officials hailing Operation Epic Fury as an unquestionable success.

Vice President JDVance, Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Islamabad for face-to-face talks hosted by Pakistani mediators. It is unclear whether Iranian officials, who insist on a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, will participate.

Joint State House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks at a press conference on November 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Nathan Posner/Anatolia)

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Democrats in both chambers have repeatedly tried to restrict Trump’s military authority in Iran since the conflict began in late February but have been blocked by opposition from the Republican Party. Trump could still veto a war authorization resolution if a bipartisan measure passes Congress.

House Democrats will likely hold another vote on reining in Trump’s war powers as early as next week.

Many House Republicans who previously voted against a war powers resolution, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), have signaled they are open to supporting the measure if the issue comes up again. Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. and Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, have previously crossed party lines to support blocking Trump from using military force in Iran without congressional authorization.

U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) arrives for a House vote on a government reopening funding bill on February 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (DY) announced that Democrats in the upper chamber will vote on the fourth war powers resolution as soon as next week.

The top Democrat also argued at a news conference in New York City on Wednesday that Operation Epic Rage was “one of the worst military and foreign policy actions the United States has ever taken.”