House Lawmakers Pass Third War Powers Resolution on Iran

The House of Representatives voted 220-204 this week on a third War Powers Resolution rebuking the ongoing war in Iran amid growing concerns from some lawmakers about President Donald Trump’s administration.

Just like the two other resolutions passed in June and July, this legislative move is largely symbolic and does not immediately remove U.S. military forces from Iran. However, it signals growing pushback on the war from lawmakers and their constituents.

Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) told a House committee earlier this week that the “unconstitutional” and “illegal” war in Iran is only continuing because Republicans are in power.

“Frankly, it is costing us American lives as well as plenty of our tax dollars,” Rep. Crockett added.

But some Republicans are also growing frustrated by the now seven-month-long war.

This War Powers Resolution came on the same day that Rep. Thomas Massie (R-TX), who is not up for reelection this November, presented articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Rep. Massie claims Hegseth is waging an illegal war on Iran and committing “high crimes and misdemeanors” as a result.

“In all of this, Secretary Hegseth has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as Secretary of Defense and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States of America,” Rep. Massie said.

The war has not yet been officially declared under the Constitution. Rep. Massie alleges Hegseth defied Congress’ orders, designated by the past two War Powers Resolutions, by continuing military operations in Iran.

“Secretary Hegseth knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders to initiate war against a foreign nation notwithstanding the absence of congressional authorization,” Rep. Massie said on the House floor.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will have to act on the resolution by Thursday, adding yet another item to the growing agenda members face in their last week on Capitol Hill.