House Republicans vote to block a war powers resolution over the Iranian conflict

Republicans in the House of Representatives blocked a new attempt by Democrats to stop the US military campaign against Iran President Donald Trump, Who expressed confidence that the conflict in the Middle East could end soon.

Lawmakers voted 213-214 against approving the resolution introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., that would have required Trump to end hostilities with Iran without congressional approval. Rep. Jared Golden, Democrat of Maine, was the only Democrat to join Republicans in opposing the measure.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who has repeatedly called on Congress to end the Iranian conflict, was the only Republican to support the war powers resolution. Representative Warren Davidson, Republican of Ohio, voted present.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., can afford to spare only two GOP defectors in a party-line scenario.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol Visitor Center on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc)

GOP blocks Booker-led campaign to limit Trump’s military power in Iran

The failed vote comes as House Democrats engaged in a relentless pressure campaign to force Republicans to confirm congressional oversight of the conflict.

“This is not a skirmish. This is not a military operation. This is war,” Meeks said on Thursday. “Now we are not the Iranian parliament, nor should we be rubber stamps.”

But House Republicans largely side with the president and say a successful resolution on war powers would undermine him.

“This was the most successful military operation given the breadth, depth and scope of the enemy involved and the danger they pose not only to the American homeland and American military personnel, but to the region and the entire world,” Minnesota Republican Rep. Tom Emmer told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

He added: “I believe we will be rewarded for the president’s efforts.”

Trump told Fox Business on Monday that the conflict was “very close to being over” with the United States The US military closes Iranian ports. Hostilities have now ceased due to a two-week ceasefire, and the Trump administration has floated a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran.

The Democrats’ failed attempt comes after the party tried to pass a war powers measure by unanimous consent last week during a short pro forma session while the House was in recess. Republicans effectively Request blocked By refusing to acknowledge the group of Democrats in the room who were shouting “Shame!”

President Donald Trump waves to the media after exiting Air Force One at Miami International Airport on April 11, 2026 in Miami. (Tasos Katopoudis/Getty Images)

Trump has pushed Iran to the brink, but have we won anything lasting?

Across the Capitol, Senate Democrats were similarly stymied by Republicans in their efforts to end the conflict.

Senate Republicans blocked it on Wednesday Another war powers resolution would have stopped Trump from using military force without authorization from Congress. Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, was the only GOP lawmaker to support the measure.

The decisions are largely symbolic given that Trump would likely veto it if the measure reaches his desk.

However, Democrats in Congress are vowing to continue forcing votes to end the conflict, which they say is putting increasing pressure on Republicans to break with Trump.

“We will have a discussion and vote every week in United States Senate “Until this war ends or our Republican colleagues decide to do their constitutional duty,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told reporters.

Sen. Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, speaks to reporters after the vote at the Capitol, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Washington. (Alison Robert/AP)

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

Trump only has until April 28 before Congress has to weigh in on a long-term military campaign. Both chambers must, under the War Powers Act, authorize or prohibit the use of force once hostilities reach the 60-day mark.

The Trump administration will have 30 days to withdraw troops if Congress votes to end the conflict.