Centrist Dems push softer Iran war powers measure
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Rep. Josh Gottheimer leaves the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2025. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
A group of centrist House Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a war powers resolution that would give the Trump administration more leeway on Iran than the measure their leadership is pushing.
Why it matters: The effort reflects the extreme reluctance some hawkish Democrats have towards voting for the resolution introduced by anti-interventionist Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.).
- Unlike the Khanna-Massie measure, the centrist Democrats' alternative resolution would give the administration 30 days to end hostilities with Iran.
- It would also forbid the deployment of ground troops "in a combat role" for "regime change or ... occupation," while allowing the U.S. to maintain "a troop presence in the region for defensive purposes."
Driving the news: The resolution was introduced by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Jared Golden (D-Maine), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.).
- "There is a concern that the Khanna–Massie War Powers Resolution currently requires the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces, even while Iran is actively targeting American troops," Gottheimer's office said in a press release.
- "It is vital that we allow for a safe transition, that protects our service members, embassies, and allies, not a potentially precarious withdrawal."
- The alternative resolution, they said, "avoids signaling retreat to our adversaries" and would "allow Congress to act in a timely and appropriate way."
What they're saying: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who is supporting the Khanna-Massie measure along with the rest of Democratic leadership, sidestepped a question about the alternative measure.
- "Haven't seen the alternate war powers resolution, right now my focus is on the resolution that will be on the floor next week," he said.
- Jeffries said "there may be a handful of members who have still not made a decision and want to participate" in a classified briefing on Iran set for Tuesday evening, "before they come to a final conclusion."
- A Khanna spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
