House Democrats Push for Full Vote on Bill to Restrict Trump’s Military Power Against Iran
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) speaks alongside Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) outside a Department of Justice facility in Washington, D.C., after reviewing documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation on Monday, February 9, 2026.
By Solange Reyner | Thursday, February 26, 2026, 02:54 PM EST
House Democrats are seeking to compel a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on a bipartisan resolution designed to constrain President Donald Trump’s authority to escalate hostilities against Iran.
In a joint statement Thursday, several top Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), announced they will push for the vote as soon as Congress reconvenes next week. The legislation, known as the War Powers Resolution to Prohibit Involvement in Iran, was co-led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).
The resolution would require President Trump to seek explicit congressional approval before using military force against Iran. “The Iranian regime is brutal and destabilizing, seen most recently in the killing of thousands of protesters,” the Democrats stated. “However, undertaking a war of choice in the Middle East without a full understanding of all risks to our service members and escalation is reckless. We maintain that any such action would be unconstitutional without consultation with and authorization from Congress.”
The legislation directs President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes them, invoking requirements under the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
While supporters argue the bill reasserts Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Republicans who control the House have aligned with Trump’s national security prerogatives. Several GOP lawmakers oppose limitations that could reduce executive flexibility in confronting what they describe as an increasingly volatile situation with Iran. A handful of Democrats also expressed reservations about limiting U.S. options in a complex international environment.
The resolution was endorsed by House Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and House Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.). Reps. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.), and Adam Smith (D-Wash.) also signed the statement.
