US lawmakers reject measure to block Trump from striking Iran

April 16, 2026

The House of Representatives narrowly rejected a Democratic-led war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's military authority regarding Iran, with the measure failing by a single vote at 213-214. This defeat came one day after a similar resolution was blocked in the Senate along mostly partisan lines. While these resolutions are primarily symbolic attempts by Democrats to formally record lawmakers' positions on the conflict, they face strong Republican opposition and would likely be vetoed by Trump even if passed.

Who is affected

US President Donald Trump
Democratic Party members in Congress
Republican Party members in Congress
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky (only Republican supporting the measure)
Representative Jared Golden of Maine (only Democrat opposing the measure)
Representative Warren Davidson of Ohio (voted present)
Representative Gregory Meeks of New York (introduced the resolution)
Iran and Tehran
US-Israel (referenced in context of strikes)

What action is being taken

Democrats are lobbying lawmakers to support war powers legislation
Representative Gregory Meeks is introducing another war powers resolution
President Trump is conducting talks with Iran (stated to potentially resume this weekend)
US-Israel strikes that began on February 28 are ongoing

Why it matters

This matters because it represents an institutional struggle between Congress and the executive branch over constitutional war-making authority. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires congressional approval for military actions lasting more than 60 days, and with US-Israel strikes having begun on February 28, this deadline is approaching. The narrow votes demonstrate deep partisan divisions on foreign policy and presidential power, while also revealing potential cracks in Republican support if the conflict continues, which could affect the balance of constitutional checks on presidential military authority.

What's next

Representative Gregory Meeks plans to introduce another war powers resolution
Meeks will lobby Representative Golden and other lawmakers to support future war powers legislation
Fresh talks between Washington and Tehran could resume as early as this weekend
Federal law's 60-day deadline for congressional approval is approaching (strikes began February 28)

Read full article from source: BBC