Congress scrambles to vote on war powers after Iran strikes begin

H.Con.Res.38 was introduced by Rep. TMThomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. RKRo Khanna (D-CA) in June 2025, during the first 12-day US-Israel strike on Iran. It had 84 co-sponsors as of late February 2026, all but Massie being Democrats. The resolution directs the president to terminate use of US armed forces against Iran unless Congress declares war or passes a specific Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).

A concurrent resolution under the War Powers Resolution is privileged in the House, meaning it can be called up for a floor vote after 15 calendar days without committee action. Democrats planned to use a motion to discharge to bring it directly to the floor, bypassing committee leadership. The House was not scheduled to return until Wednesday, March 4.

In the Senate, Tim Kaine (D-VA) filed a companion resolution co-sponsored by RPRand Paul (R-KY). Under the War Powers Resolution law (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), Kaine could force a vote via motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Kaine called for the Senate to return to session immediately on February 28.

Trump did not seek authorization from Congress before ordering strikes. He briefed Secretary of State MRMarco Rubio, who called House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) before the operation. The Gang of Eight — top leaders in both chambers plus intelligence committee chairs — received a classified briefing from Rubio last week, but were not asked to vote.

The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and sets a 60-day deadline for congressional authorization. If that notification was filed around February 28, Congress would need to authorize the war or Trump must withdraw by late April 2026. Presidents have disputed the law's constitutionality since Nixon vetoed the original act.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) signaled support for the strikes. Senate Majority Leader JTJohn Thune (R-SD) said if the US was going to act, it should aim for regime change. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called the operation 'well-planned' and 'long justified.' Rep. WDWarren Davidson (R-OH), an unusual Republican voice, said he'd support the war powers resolution absent a classified briefing explaining the mission.

The House previously voted 215-215 in February 2026 on a war powers resolution to limit Trump's military authority in Venezuela — just two Republicans (Massie and Rep. Don Bacon of 🌽Nebraska) crossed party lines. The Iran vote was expected to be similarly close, with Democrats hoping a handful of anti-interventionist Republicans would break ranks.

Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) called for the Senate to reconvene the same day strikes began. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said before the strikes that Congress should not 'get us into another failed, foreign forever war.' Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) broke with his party, praising Trump for doing 'what is right and necessary to produce real peace in the region.'