EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans and Democrats are preparing another effort to challenge President Donald Trump’s military operations in Iran, with lawmakers signaling that additional Republicans could break with the president and support a War Powers resolution.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., told Digital that another Iran War Powers resolution could come to the House floor “in the next few legislative days” or around Christmas.
This would mark the fourth attempt this year to restrict Trump’s military actions against Iran.
“I’m offering Republicans a life boat from MAGA,” Massie told Digital, expressing optimism that more members of his party could join the effort.
7 REPUBLICANS REBEL AGAINST TRUMP, VOTE WITH DEMS TO REIN IN IRAN WAR POWERS
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., told Digital that he would oppose the resolution but acknowledged that “Massie has been having conversations with members” in an effort to secure additional Republican support.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., echoed Rogers’ assessment, suggesting that “one or two” additional Republicans could join Massie and the Democrats who previously supported the measure.
SWING-DISTRICT REPUBLICAN BREAKS WITH TRUMP, PUSHES LIMITS ON IRAN WAR
Reps. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., previously voted in favor of an Iran War Powers resolution.
Barrett told Digital on Thursday that he would maintain his support if the new resolution mirrors the previous legislation.
“My position would be consistent for it,” Barrett said.
However, Barrett expressed skepticism that additional Republicans would join the effort, noting that few members appeared willing to shift their positions during the previous vote.
GOP HOLDS WITH TRUMP ON IRAN WAR, BUT CRACKS EMERGE AS DEADLINE NEARS
Massie also acknowledged uncertainty over whether he could secure more Republican votes, criticizing his party’s continued support for Trump’s military operations.
“Congress is paralyzed,” Massie told Digital, accusing Republicans of remaining “still in the suicide pact with this administration.”
TRUMP SUFFERS RARE HOUSE DEFEAT AS BIPARTISAN VOTE MOVES TO WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM IRAN CONFLICT
House Democrats, meanwhile, expressed optimism that Republicans’ losses in the 2026 midterm elections could encourage more GOP lawmakers to break with Trump’s foreign policy agenda.
“If they’re listening to the people that sent them here, yes,” Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., told Digital when asked whether additional Republicans could support the effort. “That’s what they should do.”
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., also expressed confidence that more Republicans could join the effort, saying she “thinks they would.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., suggested that Republicans may feel less pressure to remain aligned with Trump following the midterm elections — especially as many prepare to leave Congress and others hunker down to serve in the minority.
“The threat of Trump dumping a lot of money into Republican districts is over, perhaps more members of Congress we think represent their communities will listen to what constituents are saying about the war,” Grijalva told Digital.
TRUMP PLEDGES TO VETO ‘INSANE’ DEM BILLS, PINPOINTS ISSUE PARTIALLY TO BLAME FOR REPUBLICAN LOSSES
The renewed effort comes as lawmakers continue debating Congress’ constitutional authority over military operations and the president’s ability to conduct sustained hostilities without congressional authorization.
Under the Constitution, Congress holds the power to declare war, while the president serves as commander in chief of the armed forces. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 establishes procedures and limits for military operations conducted without congressional authorization.
Despite growing discussions among lawmakers, no vote on an Iran War Powers resolution has been scheduled or confirmed.