Congressional Push to Halt the Iran War — House Passes Resolution, Senate Blocks It

On July 23, 2026, the Republican-led House approved a war-powers resolution directing President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes further action. The vote was 214-208; four Republicans—Tom Barrett (MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Warren Davidson (OH) and Thomas Massie (KY)—joined all Democrats. Hours later, the Senate rejected a parallel measure by a 49-47 margin, with only Republican Susan Collins (ME) voting with Democrats. The resolutions are concurrent and not signed by the president, so they lack legal force but signal growing congressional dissent over a war that began on February 28, 2026.

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The conflict erupted when the United States and Israel launched strikes on February 28, citing Iranian threats to regional allies. A tentative cease-fire was reached in April, but hostilities resumed after the memorandum of understanding collapsed in early July. President Trump announced a “ramp-up” of attacks on July 10, claiming Iran violated the truce on July 7. Since then, U.S. forces have conducted nightly airstrikes, while Iranian forces have responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan, Iraq and elsewhere, raising the U.S. death toll to 18 service members.

The Guardian

• War cost: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified the war has cost $37.5 billion to date.

Al Jazeera (website)

• U.S. casualties: 18 killed; roughly 500 wounded.

The Guardian

• Civilian casualties in Iran: Senate witnesses cited 1,700 to more than 3,000 deaths.

The Guardian

• Energy impact: Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel; gas prices have surged above $4 per gallon, a key issue in the upcoming midterms.

CNN

• Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), sponsor of the House resolution, called the vote a “vote of conscience” and urged Congress to reassert its war-powers authority.

Roll Call

• Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) warned the United States needs “an off-ramp” and highlighted the loss of three service members.

The Hill

• Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) crossed party lines, citing the need for congressional oversight.

Washington Examiner

• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) described the war as “unpopular” and urged accountability for rising costs and casualties.

Fox News (website)

• Civilian death toll: Senate testimony gave a range of 1,700–3,000, while other outlets have not provided a precise figure.

The Guardian

• War cost estimates: Hegseth cited $37.5 billion, but earlier Pentagon estimates were lower; the discrepancy remains unreconciled.

The Guardian

• Legal effect: The resolutions are concurrent and not presented for presidential signature, creating uncertainty about any practical limitation on the president’s war-making authority.

CNN