Democrats' Iran War Powers Vote Blocked by Republicans

Washington, April 9, 2026 – House Democrats attempted to force a vote on a War Powers Resolution to curb President Donald Trump's military actions in Iran during a brief pro forma session Thursday, but Republicans presiding over the meeting adjourned it quickly, blocking the effort.

The maneuver occurred amid a two-week congressional recess for the Easter holiday, with the House not scheduled to reconvene until April 14. Eight Democrats, including representatives from California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington state, gathered in the chamber to seek passage of the resolution by unanimous consent, a procedure that requires no objections to proceed. However, Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican serving as speaker pro tempore, gaveled the session closed after just three minutes, without recognizing the Democrats' request. Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Maryland Democrat who led the push, shouted from the chamber floor in protest, pleading for a vote, but Smith ignored the interruption.

The resolution aimed to direct the president to terminate unauthorized hostilities in Iran and require congressional approval for further operations. Democrats described the action as...