House Democrats appear to be within striking distance of passing a war powers resolution that would formally rebuke President Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, according to a new report by Axios. The vote, expected Thursday, could mark a significant moment in the ongoing congressional battle over who has the authority to take the country to war.
What Is This Vote About?
The resolution centers on the War Powers Act, a law that requires a president to end military operations within 60 days if Congress has not formally declared war or authorised the use of force. Democrats argue that threshold has already been crossed with Iran, and they want Congress on record saying so.
Even if the resolution passes, Trump could veto it, making the move largely symbolic in practical terms. But Democrats say symbolism matters here. A successful vote would send a clear signal that a majority of the House does not believe the president had the authority to pursue this conflict without congressional approval.
The Last Holdout Is Flipping
The biggest development going into Thursday’s vote is a change of heart from Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, a Democrat who had voted against every previous Iran war powers resolution. Golden told Axios his intention is now to vote yes.
His reasoning is straightforward. The conflict has gone past the 60-day mark, which under the War Powers Act is the point at which military operations must stop without congressional backing. Golden also noted that this particular resolution is cleaner than the one that came up for a vote last week, which failed in a stunning 212 to 212 tie.
“The administration could come to Congress and try to push for authorization,” Golden said.
A Republican Is Wavering Too
Beyond Golden’s flip, there is at least one Republican who has not ruled out crossing the aisle. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, a centrist who has voted against similar resolutions in the past, told Axios he feels “very split” heading into the vote.
Bacon acknowledged the constitutional tension at the heart of the issue, saying Trump “needs more authorities to use force” but also recognising that Congress holds Article One powers over matters of war. He has been a consistent critic of what he describes as presidential overreach and is retiring at the end of this term.
“It’s a tough vote, because we have the constitution and Article One authorities. The President doesn’t like it,” Bacon said.
Why Was the Vote Pushed Back?
The resolution was originally scheduled for a vote on Wednesday, but Republican leadership pulled it at the last minute. The reason, according to Democrats, was the vote count.
Twenty members did not show up to votes on Wednesday afternoon, including seven Democrats and 13 Republicans. House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Greg Meeks of New York was blunt about what that meant.
“It would have passed today, that’s why they pulled it,” Meeks said, as per the report.
Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, one of the lawmakers leading the effort, summed up the broader dynamic simply: “Like everything else around here it’s about the absences.”
What Happened Last Week?
Democrats tried to pass a similar resolution just days ago and came up agonisingly short. The vote ended in a 212 to 212 tie, with Golden voting against it and three Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Tom Barrett of Michigan, voting in favour. Several members were absent that day as well, including Reps. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey and Frederica Wilson of Florida, both of whom have missed extended stretches of votes in recent weeks.
What Comes Next?
With Golden now on board and Bacon still undecided, Democrats believe Thursday’s vote could go their way. Himes said he is “feeling pretty good” about its chances, and a senior House Democrat confirmed that party leadership is confident.
Whether that confidence holds will depend heavily on who actually shows up to cast their vote. In a chamber where margins are razor thin and absences can decide outcomes, Thursday’s result is far from guaranteed.
