House Republicans quash Democrats' long-shot attempt to hamstring Trump on Iran

House Republicans thwarted an attempt by Democrats to pass a https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/iran-war-powers-vote-house-landsman-cuellar" target="_blank">war powers resolution on Thursday that would block President Trump unilaterally restarting hostilities with Iran.

Why it matters: The vote would have been largely symbolic — the measure faces an uphill battle in the Senate and could be vetoed by Trump – but Democrats are desperate to show voters they are https://www.axios.com/2026/04/08/trump-25th-amendment-iran-democrats-jeffries" target="_blank">using every tool at their disposal to end the war.

• Democrats are expected to https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/iran-trump-war-powers-vote-house-democrats" target="_blank">force a vote on the measure when the House returns to session this week.
• "War powers is a privileged resolution, we plan on calling the privilege next week when we're back," Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) told reporters.

Driving the news: Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) attended Thursday's pro forma House session and tried to request unanimous consent to pass his party's Iran war powers resolution.

• Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who was presiding over the session, ignored Ivey's request and gaveled the House out of session.

What they're saying: "Democrats are here on the Hill saying to the Congress, saying to the speaker of the House, have us back in session so we can live up to our Constitutional responsibility," said Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.).