On June 3, 2026, the House of Representatives voted 215-208 to adopt H.Con.Res. 38, a resolution that would require congressional authorization for continued U.S. military involvement in Iran.

The measure was sponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). House leaders had planned to vote on the resolution before the Memorial Day recess but consideration was delayed after concerns that enough Republicans might support the measure for it to pass.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, supported the resolution as it advanced in the House.

Rep. Meeks argued that the vote reflected a shift in congressional attitudes toward the conflict.

“More and more republicans are listening to their constituents who do not want another open-minded war in the Middle East,” Rep. Meeks said.

When the resolution returned to the House floor Wednesday, it cleared the chamber with support from every House Democrat and four Republicans: Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Tom Barrett (R-Mich.) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) joined Democrats in voting for the measure.

Under the resolution, President Donald Trump would be directed to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities involving Iran under Congress authorizing military action or formally declaring war.

The proposal was introduced under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. 

Rep. Massie argued that Congress should determine whether the nation enters a war.

“The Constitution is clear that Congress has the power to declare war,” Rep. Massie said.

Supporters said congressional approval provides oversight when military operations continue beyond immediate emergencies.

Opponents argued that limiting presidential authority could reduce the nation’s ability to respond quickly to security threats.

House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA.) opposed the resolution and defended President Trump’s decision to strike Iran ahead of the vote.

“Remember… Iran declared war on us 47 years ago. They chanted ‘death to America.’ The president is trying to keep people safe,” Rep. Johnson said.

The resolution was one of two measures opposed by the White House that advanced in the Republican-controlled House. Lawmakers later approved a procedural motion that could lead to a future vote on aid for Ukraine. 

In the Senate, Democrats believe support for a war powers vote may be growing. 

Last month, several Republicans joined Democrats in supporting a procedural measure that could allow the chamber to consider similar legislation, though a final vote has not been scheduled.

More than 90 days into the conflict, lawmakers in both parties have questioned how long U.S. involvement may continue. 

Efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire have struggled to gain traction as fighting persists in parts of the region. 

President Trump acknowledged the fragile nature of the ceasefire. 

“I’d say in that part of the world a ceasefire is when you’re shooting in a more moderate manner,” President Trump said. 

The conflict has affected global markets as Iran maintains control of the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for oil and natural gas. 

The United States continues a blockade of Iranian ports, contributing to concerns about energy prices and international trade.

The resolution now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to consider the measure.

Even if approved, the resolution would primarily serve as a congressional statement opposing continued military action without authorization.