US House narrowly rejects resolution to limit Trump's war powers on Iran

The US House of Representatives voted on April 16, 2026, against a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's authority to wage war against Iran.

The resolution was defeated by a narrow margin of 214 to 213 votes, with only a single vote separating the yeas and nays.

Nearly all Democrats supported the resolution, showing increased consolidation against the president's war powers, while most Republicans opposed it.

Three Democrats who had opposed a similar resolution in March-Juan Vargas, Greg Landsman, and Henry Cuellar-voted in favor this time.

Only one Democrat, Jared Golden, voted against the resolution, and one Republican, Thomas Massie, co-sponsored the resolution and voted in favor.

Another Republican, Warren Davidson, voted present, avoiding a direct position, while Republican Nancy Mace did not vote.

The resolution sought to prevent further military action against Iran amid ongoing conflict and ceasefire negotiations.

The war began after the US and Israel initiated strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, and has continued for over six weeks.

Democrats criticized Republicans for allowing unchecked presidential power, with Representative Bill Foster stating that Congress must not abdicate its constitutional role as a co-equal branch of government.

Under the US Constitution, only Congress can declare war, though presidents may conduct military actions in cases of immediate self-defense.

The Trump administration has argued that Iran's actions since the 1979 Iranian Revolution constitute such a threat.

The vote followed a similar resolution's failure in the US Senate the previous day, which was rejected 52 to 47 mostly along party lines.

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