Top House Dems to force vote on reining in Trump's Iran war powers
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at the State of the Union address on Feb. 24. Photo: Kenny Holston/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images
House Democratic leadership on Thursday announced plans to force a vote next week on a resolution that would require President Trump to seek congressional authorization to use military force in Iran.
Why it matters: The vote has a chance to pass in the House, with even some House Republicans expressing opposition as the White House inches closer to a potential major war in the Middle East.
- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a staunch anti-interventionist, is leading the war powers effort with progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).
- "I have asked for a classified briefing defining the mission in Iran. In the absence of new information, I will support the War Powers resolution in the House next week," Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) posted to X.
Driving the news: In a collective statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and multiple top members of his leadership team said they will force the war powers vote "as soon as Congress reconvenes next week."
- "The Iranian regime is brutal and destabilizing, seen most recently in the killing of thousands of protestors," they said. "However, undertaking a war of choice in the Middle East, without a full understanding of all the attendant risks to our servicemembers and to escalation, is reckless."
- "We maintain that any such action would be unconstitutional without consultation with and authorization from Congress."
Between the lines: In addition to Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Democratic caucus chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), the statement was co-signed by several top Democrats on the committees of jurisdiction.
- That includes Intelligence Committee ranking member Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.) and Armed Services Committee ranking member Adam Smith (D-Wash.).
Yes, but: Even as some Republicans signal their intent to break with the White House on this vote, some Democrats have signaled they will defy their leadership and oppose the resolution.
- Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) told Axios' Hans Nichols in a joint statement that they oppose the measure.
- Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) has said he is a "no," as well, with Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) telling Axios: "I'd rather see their weapons destroyed than see the loss of any more lives."
- Another centrist House Democrat, who asked not to be identified, also told Axios: "I am a no."
