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Republicans Rebel Against Trump, Vote with Dems to Rein in Iran War Powers
Confirmed
In Short: A handful of House Republicans joined Democrats to pass a resolution aimed at curbing President Trump's war powers in Iran, marking a rare political divide.
Seven House Republicans joined all 213 voting Democrats to pass a resolution in a 220 to 204 vote, signaling a political shift against Trump's Iran policy.
Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., stated, 'I've been consistent on that since the war powers provision expired after 60 days of engagement,' reflecting the growing opposition to Trump's actions.
The conflict in Iran has become a political issue, especially in the current midterm election season, with some lawmakers blaming it for higher gas prices, a key concern for voters.
While the majority of Republicans still support the president, this vote marks a significant departure from their usual stance, highlighting the growing divide within the party.
The Pentagon has maintained that the initial strikes against Iran ended in May, but the U.S. and Iran have continued to exchange fire, with a ceasefire failing in July.
What's confirmed
- Seven House Republicans joined all 213 voting Democrats to pass a resolution in a 220 to 204 vote, signaling a political shift against Trump's Iran policy.
- Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., stated, 'I've been consistent on that since the war powers provision expired after 60 days of engagement,' reflecting the growing opposition to Trump's actions.
- The conflict in Iran has become a political issue, especially in the current midterm election season, with some lawmakers blaming it for higher gas prices, a key concern for voters.
- While the majority of Republicans still support the president, this vote marks a significant departure from their usual stance, highlighting the growing divide within the party.
- The Pentagon has maintained that the initial strikes against Iran ended in May, but the U.S. and Iran have continued to exchange fire, with a ceasefire failing in July.
What's still developing
- A handful of House Republicans rebuked President Donald Trump’s operation in Iran on Tuesday, joining Democrats to pass a resolution aimed at reining in the commander-in-chief’s war powers.
- Republicans who voted to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran have long argued that it’s on Congress to declare war, not the White House.
- The Trump administration has argued the president is acting within his constitutional authority as commander in chief and has defended the continued military operation against Iran, saying the resolution would improperly restrict the president’s ability to protect U.S. forces and national security interests.
- But it was Republicans who helped put the legislation over the edge.
- Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a well-known critic of Trump’s foreign entanglements, to try to force a vote on impeaching Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
- "The administration has yet to demonstrate that seven months of war have produced a lasting strategic resolution to the threats posed by Iran," Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during floor debate Monday night.
- Updated on: September 15, 2026 / 10:46 PM EDT / CBS News Washington — For the third time, the House voted Tuesday to block President Trump from taking further military action against Iran, with seven Republicans breaking with the president.