Republican Lawmakers Push Iran War Powers Resolution Through House

The House of Representatives chamber in Washington, D.C., erupted in cheers after lawmakers voted 215–208 to pass a War Powers Resolution urging President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.

Following four failed attempts in the House, the resolution passed on the same day that Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio testified before Congress on day 96 of the war that was meant to end in 30 days.

A similar resolution passed the Senate in May after several Republican senators broke away from their party, citing concerns about congressional oversight and a lack of transparency from the administration as the war's estimated cost climbed to $29 billion.

The resolution was expected to pass the House soon after, until Republican lawmakers withdrew it from the floor after realizing they lacked the votes to defeat it. But even if passed by both chambers, a War Powers Resolution is largely symbolic, signaling Congress’s opposition to continued U.S. military action against Iran without its authorization.

Four Republican representatives also changed their positions amid growing controversy over the Justice Department's settlement of Trump's IRS lawsuit, which established a now-pending $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” and barred future tax claims against Trump and his family.

One of them was Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), who cosponsored the resolution and has repeatedly criticized the war and called for congressional oversight.

“The People’s House is sending a message: end this war,” Rep. Massie said in an X post.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said the belated Republican support was long overdue. Since February, households across the country have suffered the consequences of the war, she said.

“Our service members have sacrificed enough, and the American people should not be forced to bankroll an unauthorized war while they’re trying to afford groceries, gas, rent and healthcare,” Rep. Crockett said. “It’s time to end the war. Now.”

Although the resolution is only symbolic, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) said the Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, a provision that has not been upheld throughout the conflict.

“It is a foundational principle of American democracy, designed to ensure that the American people have a say in decisions of war and peace through their elected representatives,” Rep. Fletcher said.

The vote today was about more than ending the war, she said.

“Today’s vote is about whether the President of the United States must follow the Constitution,” Rep. Fletcher said.

The resolution will now head back to the Senate for another vote.