WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are preparing to force a vote next week on a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s military authority in Iran, a move spurred by a significant military buildup in the region and ongoing, yet delicate, nuclear negotiations.
The bipartisan resolution, sponsored by Representatives Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, and Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, would require congressional approval before any further military engagement in Iran. This assertion of Congress’s constitutional power to declare war comes as Trump has repeatedly threatened strikes against Iran while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic solutions.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, speaking on behalf of Democratic leadership, stated that the vote will be compelled “as soon as Congress reconvenes next week.” The statement, released Thursday, acknowledged the “brutal and destabilizing” nature of the Iranian regime, particularly citing the recent suppression of protestors, but cautioned against a “war of choice” in the Middle East without a comprehensive understanding of the risks.
The move is facing opposition from some lawmakers who argue it could hinder the administration’s ability to respond to evolving threats. Representatives Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, and Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, expressed concerns that the resolution would “restrict the flexibility needed to respond to real and evolving threats and risks, signaling weakness at a dangerous moment.”
Trump, in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, emphasized his preference for a diplomatic resolution to the situation with Iran, but also made clear he would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. “I will never allow the world’s No. 1 sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over Iran’s nuclear program are ongoing. A third round of talks took place in Geneva on Thursday, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi describing the discussions as having made “significant progress” in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Albusaidi indicated that technical discussions would continue next week in Vienna, with principals reconvening shortly after consulting with their respective capitals. https://x.com/badralbusaidi/status/2027089708392579576
The resolution’s path to passage is uncertain. While it would need Senate approval even if passed by the House, bipartisan opposition already exists. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches regarding war powers, a dynamic that has been evolving for decades.
Jeffries also recently highlighted the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs, stating that everyday Americans are paying “thousands of dollars more in additional expense per year” as a result.
