US House votes to curb Trump's Iran war powers but Senate backs president
US Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, May 19, 2026—REUTERS
The Republican-led United States House of Representatives backed legislation on Thursday directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran, the latest symbolic rebuke of the Republican president from Congress.
The vote was 214-208 in favour of the war powers resolution as four Republicans joined Democrats in voting for it.
The resolution, introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat, directs Trump "to remove the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities" against Iran unless Congress authorises it. However, it was largely symbolic. Lawmakers have passed similar resolutions repeatedly in recent months, but they have not led to a cessation of the war.
Today, the House PASSED my bipartisan War Powers Resolution to end the war in Iran by a vote of 214-208.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) July 23, 2026
This is a big victory for the vast majority of Americans who want President Trump to end this illegal war and focus on their lives right here at home. pic.twitter.com/ZaE3NtTJdP
The four Republicans who voted in favour were Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
Trump's Republicans hold slim majorities in the House and Senate.
Later in the day, the Senate voted 49 to 47 to block its own war powers measure within hours of the House vote.
In the Senate procedural vote, Republican Susan Collins of Maine voted with Democrats in favour of the resolution, and Democrat John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted with Republicans against it. Four Senators did not vote.
The U.S. Senate voted 49–47 to block the Iran War Powers resolution that would have required President Trump to obtain congressional approval for further military action pic.twitter.com/Alz8yu3g4w
— World Source News (@Worldsource24) July 23, 2026
The vote comes after Trump announced a ramp-up in attacks on Iran and the deaths of more US service members. Trump on Thursday promised "major military punishment" for Iran and its Houthi allies, after the Yemeni fighters struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, extending the Middle East war to a second major shipping chokepoint.
Additionally, two weeks after the effective collapse of an interim truce meant to end the war, the US military launched another nightly round of airstrikes on Iran, prompting Iran to fire at US bases in neighbouring countries.