The 215-208 vote, which Republicans had worked hard to avoid, signaled a new period of Congressional anxiety over the conflict.
As negotiations progress and tensions rise, President Trump presses for a war deal with Iran
President Donald Trump has signaled progress in Iran war negotiations, while warning of a recurrence of conflict and urging regional countries to join the Abraham Accords.
In a severe political blow to President Donald Trump, the House of Representatives voted for the first time on Wednesday, June 3, to end the Iran war.
The 215-208 vote was largely symbolic, marking a new period of Congressional anxiety over the Middle East conflict amid stalled peace talks. Strikes in the region have continued in recent days, despite the White House’s assurances to lawmakers that hostilities have ended.
Four Republicans joined Democrats in sponsoring a resolution asserting the Legislature’s war powers and preventing further hostilities in the region. This came just two weeks after the Senate advanced a similar bill.
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The Republicans who left the party were Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.
“The House of People is sending a message: stop this war,” Massey, a member of the same party but a well-known political opponent of President Trump, wrote on social media after the vote.
In a separate statement, Davidson called on the White House to make America’s purpose more clear: “Define the mission, authorize the mission, and accomplish the mission.”
Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who sided with Republicans in previous Iran war votes, also made a complete reversal and supported the resolution. Golden, who is leaving Congress at the end of his term, comes from a battleground state in Maine.
Democrats celebrated a political victory, but there were no direct consequences.
“Today, House Democrats, on behalf of the American people, successfully passed the War Powers Resolution to hold Donald Trump accountable,” top House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, said in a statement. “It’s time for Senate Republicans to do the right thing.”
Earlier in the day, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson continued to support the president’s Iran military campaign despite obvious misgivings within his party.
“We are trying to prevent the largest sponsor of state terrorism from acquiring nuclear weapons,” he said of President Trump. “The commander-in-chief’s first responsibility is to keep the country safe. He has done that. He has proven that every day.”
Zachary Schermele is a Congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can email us at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and on Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social..
