LAWMAKERS SEEK TO BLOCK

UNAUTHORIZED WAR WITH IRAN

In early 2026, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are pushing bipartisan measures to rein in the president’s ability to order military action against Iran without explicit congressional approval amid rising tensions in the Middle East. In the House of Representatives, Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna are working to bring to a floor vote a War Powers Resolution — originally introduced in 2025 as H.Con.Res. 38 — that would direct the president to end any unauthorized hostilities against Iran unless Congress has passed a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of force. This resolution invokes the 1973 War Powers Resolution to assert Congress’s constitutional role in deciding matters of war and peace while explicitly preserving the president’s authority to defend the United States against imminent attack. Supporters argue the measure would ensure a full debate and vote before American troops could be placed in harm’s way. Critics contend it could constrain the executive branch’s flexibility in responding to threats.

At the same time, the U.S. Senate is considering a companion effort introduced by Senator Tim Kaine in S.J.Res. 59, which similarly directs the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress unless a formal declaration of war or specific use-of-force authorization is passed. The Senate resolution’s findings emphasize that Congress alone has the constitutional power to declare war, that no such authorization currently exists regarding Iran, and that any decisions to engage U.S. forces should follow a full briefing, public debate, and a congressional vote. As with the House measure, the Senate text includes a rule of construction stating that nothing in the resolution should be interpreted to prevent the United States from defending itself against an imminent attack.

Both measures reflect growing concerns among some lawmakers about executive overreach and the need to reaffirm the constitutional separation of powers amid reports of possible military strikes against Iran. While the resolutions have faced resistance from leadership in both chambers and opposition from some colleagues who argue they could limit national security flexibility, proponents continue to push for floor action using procedural tools like discharge petitions to force a vote. Regardless of their ultimate success, these efforts show the active debate in Congress over who should decide when the United States goes to war — a question at the heart of the Constitution.

H.Con.Res.38 - Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

H.Con.Res.38: Cosponsors List

Press Release: Reps. Massie, Khanna Introduce Bipartisan War Powers Resolution to Prohibit Involvement in Iran (Thomas Massie)

Press Release: Reps. Khanna, Massie, Introduce Bipartisan War Powers Resolution to Prohibit Involvement in Iran (Ro Khanna)

Khanna, Massie plan to force war powers vote on Iran (The Hill, 2-19-26)

Khanna and Massie threaten to force a vote on Iran as prospect of US attack looms (Fox News, 2-19-26)

2 US lawmakers oppose Iran war powers resolution (Anadolu Ajansı, 2-22-26)

S.J.Res.59 - A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Motion to Discharge S.J. Res. 59 from the Committee on Foreign Relations Vote

Press Release: Kaine introduces resolution to avoid potential U.S. involvement in Iran (Tim Kaine, 6-18-25)

Press Release: Kaine Statement on Trump’s Threat of Illegal War with Iran (Tim Kaine, 2-20-26)