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War Powers Resolution From House Democratic Leaders May Not Limit Trump’s War Powers

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25.06.2025

As Democrats try to push forward legislation that would block further strikes on Iran, one measure advanced by House leadership could actually strengthen the Trump administration’s justification for subsequent attacks, anti-war advocates warn.

House progressives on Wednesday were trying to reach a compromise with Democratic leaders that would curb further U.S. military involvement in Iran while satisfying concerns from pro-Israel members about American support for Israel’s missile defense.

There are three different war powers resolutions in play in Washington. In the Senate, a resolution from Tim Kaine, D-Va., appears to be on track for a vote on Friday. In the House, however, Democrats remain sharply divided between two resolutions.

“There’s no upside to advancing a competing War Powers Resolution. It’s not just unnecessary — it’s actively counterproductive,” Cavan Kharrazian, a senior policy adviser at Demand Progress, said in a statement. “There’s still time to reconcile this on the House side, and we hope an agreement can be reached to enable a strong vote with the best possible language.”

The resolutions in both chambers face long odds, thanks to near-unanimous support from the majority Republicans for President Donald Trump’s strikes.

Senate Goes First

Congressional Democrats are responding to Trump’s strikes by pursuing a vote under the War Powers Act, the Vietnam War-era law designed to limit presidents’ ability to launch military action abroad without congressional approval.

Kaine’s initial resolution introduced last week directs Trump to halt hostilities against Iran, while making clear that the president can still defend the U.S. from imminent attack.

Kaine’s resolution has drawn support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. It is expected to come to a voter later this week.

Amid concerns from pro-Israel Democrats, Kaine said Tuesday that he........

© The Intercept