House passes Iran war powers resolution with seven Republican votes

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 220-204 on Tuesday to approve a resolution directing President Donald Trump to end hostilities in Iran, with seven Republicans joining all 213 Democrats in support.

The bipartisan vote underscores mounting congressional frustration with a war that entered its seventh month without a clear congressional authorization, and it arrives as public opinion remains sharply against continued involvement.

Republicans who broke with party leadership were Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Mariannette Miller‑Meeks and Zach Nunn of Iowa, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. The measure was promoted by Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado and introduced by Rep. Seth Moulton, a Marine veteran from Massachusetts. Barrett told reporters, “Only Congress has the authority to authorize military action in Iran.”

The resolution is a concurrent measure, meaning it expresses congressional sentiment but lacks the force of law unless a joint resolution is passed and signed by the president. It calls for the president to withdraw U.S. forces unless Congress explicitly authorizes further action.

The conflict began on Feb. 28 with a strike on Tehran and has since cost the Pentagon roughly $38 billion through Aug. 1, according to a Congressional Budget Office report. Eighteen U.S. service members have died and about 50,000 troops remain deployed across the Middle East.

Public sentiment has turned sharply against the war. An Ipsos poll released in April found 71 percent of Americans say the United States should not be involved, while a later Silver Bulletin poll showed only 34 percent support continued engagement.

On the same day as the vote, Rep. Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of “knowingly” executing unlawful orders that exceed the War Powers Resolution’s limits. Massie read the articles on the House floor, alleging Hegseth’s actions threaten the Constitution.

The vote marks the third time the House has passed a resolution to halt the Iran war, and the measure now moves to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain amid a looming presidential veto threat and a contentious midterm election cycle.