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The House failed to pass a resolution that would have directed the President to withdraw U.S. military forces from unauthorized conflict with Iran.
This vote was on H.Con.Res. 38, a resolution intended to force the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from any military hostilities against Iran that have not been specifically authorized by Congress. The resolution aimed to reassert the constitutional power of Congress to declare war, ensuring that the President cannot engage in prolonged conflict without a formal vote of approval. It included protections for intelligence gathering and immediate self-defense while emphasizing that a declaration of war is required for broader combat. This was a vote to "Agree to the Resolution." In the House, this is a standard vote to adopt a proposal. Because this was a "concurrent resolution," it is a statement of Congressional intent. While it uses a specific mechanism in the War Powers Resolution to direct the removal of troops, it does not become a law in the traditional sense and does not require a presidential signature, as it is a directive from Congress to the executive branch. The resolution failed to pass, with a vote of 212 to 219. The outcome followed sharp party lines, with the vast majority of Democrats supporting the measure and nearly all Republicans opposing it. Because the resolution failed in the House, it will not move forward to the Senate, and the President's current authority to manage military operations in the region remains unchanged by this measure.
Because the resolution failed in the House, it will not be sent to the Senate, and the measure is effectively dead for this session.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This vote represents a clash over the constitutional "power of the sword," specifically whether the President or Congress decides when the U.S. goes to war with Iran.
Who’s affected. U.S. Military Personnel: Service members deployed in or near Iran would have seen their missions restricted or ended if the resolution had passed. · The President: The executive branch maintains its current level of authority to conduct military operations in the region without new Congressional restrictions. · Foreign Policy Partners: International allies and adversaries receive a signal that the U.S. House is divided on the legal basis for military engagement with Iran.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus overwhelmingly supported the measure as an effort to curb executive military power.
Republicans. The Republican caucus almost unanimously opposed the resolution, voting to maintain presidential flexibility in the region.
On Agreeing to the Resolution
Mar 5, 2026
The House failed to pass a resolution that would have directed the President to withdraw U.S.
military forces from unauthorized conflict with Iran.
This is a vote to adopt a concurrent resolution. Under the War Powers Resolution, this type of vote is used by Congress to formally command the President to withdraw troops from unauthorized combat zones.
Because the resolution failed in the House, it will not be sent to the Senate, and the measure is effectively dead for this session.
This vote represents a clash over the constitutional "power of the sword," specifically whether the President or Congress decides when the U.S. goes to war with Iran.
The vote was almost entirely split along party lines, with Democrats largely voting in favor and Republicans voting against.
The Democratic caucus overwhelmingly supported the measure as an effort to curb executive military power.
The Republican caucus almost unanimously opposed the resolution, voting to maintain presidential flexibility in the region.
One independent member voted against the resolution.