RismadarVoice Reporters
July 23, 2026
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a Democratic-backed resolution calling on President Donald Trump to end American military involvement in the war with Iran, while the Senate rejected a similar proposal that would have carried legal force.
The House passed the non-binding resolution in a 214-208 vote, with four Republican lawmakers joining Democrats in support of the measure.
The Republicans who voted in favour were Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.
Later on Thursday, the Senate voted 47-49 against a joint resolution that sought to end U.S. military operations in Iran. Unlike the House resolution, the Senate measure would have been legally binding if approved by both chambers, although it would still have required President Trump’s signature or enough congressional votes to override a veto.
Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine was the only GOP senator to support the measure, joining nearly all Democratic senators. Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, voted against it, while four Republican senators did not participate in the vote.
Democrats forced the votes in both chambers as part of an effort to place Republicans on record over the increasingly unpopular conflict ahead of the November midterm elections. They also argued that Congress, not the president alone, has the constitutional authority to declare war.
Several Republican senators have previously stated that military action against Iran should not continue beyond 60 days without congressional approval, in line with the U.S. War Powers Resolution.
However, some of those lawmakers, including Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Curtis of Utah, voted against ending the military operation.
Tillis argued that the 60-day timeline began only after the administration formally described the conflict as a war in July, adding that Congress should consider authorising the military campaign before the deadline expires.
He maintained that congressional approval would provide greater legitimacy for the administration’s actions while acknowledging that public support for the conflict remains weak.
House Republicans have also indicated a willingness to allow the administration additional time before requiring formal congressional authorisation.
Despite this, four Republican lawmakers broke ranks to support the House resolution, reflecting growing concern over the conflict among some members of the party.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the vote demonstrated increasing congressional opposition to the war and pledged further legislative efforts to challenge the administration’s military actions.
He disclosed plans to introduce additional measures, including legal action against the administration and potential restrictions on military funding during upcoming budget negotiations.
Public opinion has also emerged as a key political factor, with the conflict posing challenges for Republicans representing competitive districts.
Representative Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania, who voted against the resolution, acknowledged concerns over the war’s economic impact but insisted that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a national security priority.
He also called for a swift resolution to the conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ease pressure on global energy markets and reduce fuel and fertilizer prices.
