On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 214 to 208 to adopt a war powers resolution aimed at directing President Trump to end the war with Iran. The resolution, introduced by a Democratic representative, calls for the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, including potential ground forces in combat or occupation roles, without explicit Congressional authorization.

Four Republicans—Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky—joined Democrats in rebuking President Trump’s handling of the conflict as fighting intensified.

President Trump had notified Congress on July 10 that "military action" against Iran had formally restarted after declaring a monthlong ceasefire "over." Earlier in the year, after hostilities began in late February, the White House notified Congress but maintained that hostilities had "terminated" following a ceasefire signed in early April.

The War Powers Resolution restricts military hostilities to 60 days unless Congress authorizes further action, with an additional 30-day period allowed for safe withdrawal of U.S. forces. Critics in Congress have pointed out that the Trump administration has never sought such authorization, with many Republicans continuing to support the administration’s approach.

Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized the importance of asserting Congressional authority, stating, "It is absolutely crucial that we assert our Article I Constitutional powers, and — especially following the most recent hostilities in Iran — continue to show Congressional disapproval for this war."

Caitlin Yilek, the CBSPolitics reporter covering the story, has previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation.

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