WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives voted earlier this month to approve a war powers resolution aimed at preventing additional military action against Iran without congressional authorization, delivering a rare bipartisan rebuke to President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict, according to congressional records and lawmakers involved in the measure.
The resolution passed on June 3 by a vote of 215-208, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support. The measure calls on the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces in hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorizes such action through a declaration of war or other legislation. Supporters described the vote as an assertion of Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers.
The vote followed months of military confrontation between the United States and Iran that began without a specific authorization from Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leaders had previously sought to prevent a vote on the measure, but growing concern among lawmakers over the duration and costs of the conflict helped bring the resolution to the floor.
“This reckless and costly war of choice needs to end today,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said before the vote, according to remarks reported by the Associated Press.
Republican leaders opposed the resolution, arguing that limiting the president’s military authority could weaken the administration’s position in negotiations with Tehran. Supporters of the White House also contended that the measure could send an unfavorable signal during ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The resolution is largely symbolic because it is a concurrent resolution and does not require the president’s signature. Nevertheless, the vote represented one of the most significant congressional challenges to the administration’s Iran policy since the conflict escalated earlier this year.
The House action was followed by continued debate in the Senate. On June 16, senators narrowly blocked a separate Democratic-led effort to restrict U.S. military operations involving Iran, reflecting divisions in both parties over the scope of presidential war powers and the future of U.S. policy toward Tehran.
Several Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the Senate measure, while others argued that congressional action should await additional details regarding a ceasefire framework and broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
As of June 20, lawmakers in both chambers continued to seek briefings from the administration on its Iran strategy and any future military plans. Congressional leaders said discussions over war powers and oversight of military operations were expected to continue, while details regarding potential additional action against Iran remained unclear.
