House Passes Resolution Directing Trump to End War with Iran
The House of Representatives on Thursday narrowly approved a concurrent resolution directing President Donald Trump to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran absent explicit congressional authorization, marking the chamber’s second such vote this year amid renewed fighting and rising American casualties.
The measure, H.Con.Res. 89, introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), passed 214-208. All voting Democrats supported it, joined by four Republicans: Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett of Michigan, and Warren Davidson of Ohio.
The resolution invokes section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and directs the president “to remove the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, including potential ground forces in a combat role or used for occupation,” without congressional authorization.
“Today’s bipartisan vote on my War Powers Resolution to end this war in Iran was a big victory for the vast majority of the American people who want President Trump to end this illegal war and focus on their lives right here at home,” Jayapal said in a statement. “A majority of this Congress voted to end the war yet again, and sent yet another clear order to the President that Congress will not continue to tolerate this illegal war. … From the beginning, this war has had no clear mission, no strategy, no end goal. Congress has not been consulted.”
Rep. Tom Barrett, one of the Republican supporters, said after the vote: “My position hasn’t changed. Only Congress has the authority to authorize military action in Iran. I remain ready to work with anyone to eliminate hostile threats to our nation without getting us into another endless war.”
Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), a cosponsor and former Navy Reserve intelligence officer, noted the human cost: “Eighteen American patriots have given their lives in a war that Congress never authorized. Four in the last week alone. … Today, the People’s House honored that oath and spoke with one clear voice: Mr. President, respect our Constitution. End this illegal war. Bring our servicemembers home.”
The vote comes roughly five months into the conflict, which began with joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in late February. A temporary memorandum of understanding that paused fighting collapsed earlier this month, leading the administration to resume operations. The White House has maintained that the renewed campaign started a new 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution, a view contested by many lawmakers in both parties. U.S. strikes have continued for consecutive nights, with the American death toll at 18 service members and more than 400 wounded, according to lawmakers.
Concurrent resolutions of this type are not presented to the president for signature or veto and lack the force of law. A similar effort in the Senate later Thursday failed, with a 47-49 vote falling short of advancing a joint resolution that would have carried greater legal weight.
The House action adds to a series of congressional efforts this year to assert war powers authority, reflecting bipartisan frustration over the conflict’s duration, cost, and unclear end state even as most Republicans continue to back the administration.
