Dems’ Attempt To Curb Trump’s War Powers Fails

House Republicans blocked Democrats’ latest attempt to rein in President Donald Trump’s war powers Thursday, brushing aside a bid to force congressional approval for any further military action as a two-week ceasefire with Iran holds.

Democrats, led by Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland, tried to advance a war powers resolution by unanimous consent during a pro forma session. But Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., who was presiding, ended the session before recognizing Ivey.

The measure, backed by House Democratic leadership, would have aimed to shut down the Iran conflict and prevent Trump from taking additional military action without Congress signing off first.

After Smith adjourned, Ivey blasted the move outside the chamber.

“Congress needs to consider this. The time has come. The time has come,” Ivey said.

The clash comes as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continues to push for an immediate return to Washington so lawmakers can vote on limiting Trump’s authority. The House is in a two-week recess and is not scheduled to return until the week of April 13.

🚨 BREAKING: House Democrats just started YELLING on the floor after the GOP presiding officer BLOCKED their War Powers resolution to stop President Trump’s Operation Epic Fury

He slammed the gavel, and Democrats raged: “SHAME!”

Hey Democrats — we’re already in ceasefire mode… pic.twitter.com/j2WS69Os9B

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 9, 2026

Jeffries issued a “Dear Colleague” letter Wednesday urging action following Trump’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday evening, as the administration touts Operation Epic Fury as a success.

“A two-week ceasefire is woefully insufficient. Accordingly, we have demanded that the House come back into session immediately in order to vote on our resolution to permanently end the war in the Middle East,” Jeffries wrote.

Democrats in both chambers have repeatedly tried to curb Trump’s military authority since the conflict began in late February, but GOP opposition has kept those efforts from gaining traction. Even if a bipartisan war powers resolution were to pass, Trump could veto it.

Democrats are expected to keep pressing. House Democrats could force another vote as early as next week.

Several Republicans who previously opposed a war powers measure have signaled they might be open to supporting it if it returns to the floor, including Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, have already crossed party lines in past votes aimed at requiring congressional authorization before Trump can use military force in Iran.

RELATED: Snap Survey Finds Overwhelming Support For Trump-Negotiated Ceasefire

In the Senate, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will push yet another vote on a war powers resolution as soon as next week.

Schumer also attacked the operation publicly, calling Operation Epic Fury “one of the very worst military and foreign policy actions that the United States has ever taken,” at a news conference in New York City on Wednesday.

RELATED: Trump’s Iran Ceasefire Rocked Within Hours As Regional Attacks Erupt

Administration officials have said senior leadership is continuing diplomatic efforts, with Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected to travel to Islamabad for talks hosted by Pakistani mediators. It remains unclear whether Iranian officials will participate, amid Tehran’s public demands tied to a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

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