Democrats in Congress are moving closer to passing a resolution aimed at ending President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, as a growing number of Republicans show signs of breaking with the administration over the conflict.
The latest votes in both the House and Senate suggest opposition to the war is widening beyond Democratic ranks, driven by concerns about the rising financial cost of the conflict, uncertainty over U.S. strategy, and economic pressure linked to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
House Vote Narrowly Fails
In the House, lawmakers on Thursday narrowly rejected a war powers resolution that would have directed Trump to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran.
The vote ended in a 212-212 tie, which meant the measure failed under House rules.
Three Republicans, Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Tom Barrett, joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.
One Democrat, Jared Golden, voted against it but later clarified that he objected only because the proposal included a withdrawal deadline that had already expired.
Golden said he would support a revised version.
“I look forward to voting for a clean, relevant resolution as soon as possible,” Golden said in a statement.
Democrats could also gain another vote once Frederica Wilson returns to Congress after recovering from eye surgery. Wilson has missed votes since April 17.
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At the same time, Republicans are operating with a slim margin because Tom Kean Jr. has also been absent due to what his office described as a personal medical issue.
Senate Republicans Begin to Shift
In the Senate, momentum also appears to be shifting.
A procedural motion to advance a war powers resolution failed Wednesday by a 49-50 vote, marking the closest Democrats have come to passing such a measure since the war began in late February.
The vote was notable because Lisa Murkowski supported the effort for the first time, joining fellow Republicans Susan Collins and Rand Paul.
The only Democrat to oppose the measure was John Fetterman.
Democrats believe additional Republican support may emerge in future votes as frustration with the administration grows.
“We know what our colleagues are hearing,” said Tim Kaine before the vote. “We’re starting to hear doubt creep into their words.”
Several Republican senators, including John Curtis, Thom Tillis, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young, have publicly questioned whether Congress should authorize military operations that extend beyond the legal time limit set by the War Powers Act.
Debate Over the War Powers Act Intensifies
The dispute centers on the 1973 War Powers Act, which limits how long a president can engage U.S. forces in military conflict without congressional approval.
Under the law, presidents must notify Congress within 48 hours of military action and cannot continue military operations for more than 60 days without authorization from lawmakers.
Trump notified Congress of military action against Iran on March 2, meaning Democrats argue the 60-day limit expired on May 1.
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However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has argued the clock paused when Trump announced a ceasefire in April.
Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have also argued that the War Powers Act itself is unconstitutional, signaling a possible legal battle if Congress eventually passes a resolution ordering an end to the conflict.
Lawmakers from both parties are questioning the administration’s long-term strategy, especially as the conflict is estimated to have cost $29 billion and global fuel prices continue to climb due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
