House Dems blast 'cowardly' GOP for shelving Iran war powers vote before Memorial Day recess

WASHINGTON, DC: House Democrats sharply criticized Republicans on Thursday, May 21, after GOP leaders abruptly pulled a planned vote on a War Powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's military campaign in Iran before lawmakers left Washington for the Memorial Day recess.

The resolution would require the withdrawal of US forces involved in Iran within 60 to 90 days unless Congress formally authorizes military action. Lawmakers argued the measure was necessary as the conflict has continued beyond the permitted timeline.  

Democrats claim GOP leaders called off vote because resolution had enough support

The House had been expected to vote on the Democratic-backed resolution, but Republican leaders apparently delayed it after concerns emerged that enough GOP lawmakers could join Democrats to allow the measure to pass.

“We had the votes without question and they knew it, and as a result they’re playing a political game,” said Rep Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and sponsor of the resolution.

During floor proceedings, Rep Jim McGovern questioned why the vote had been removed from the schedule while lawmakers remained in session for other legislation. “Are we not voting on it because the American people are sick and tired of this illegal war that is costing tens of billions of dollars?” McGovern asked, referencing rising gas and grocery prices. 

Rep Seth Moulton, a Marine veteran, accused GOP lawmakers of avoiding accountability before Memorial Day weekend. “Speaker Johnson pulled the War Powers vote, screwing the American people, and especially our troops, in the name of Donald Trump,” Ryan wrote in a post on X.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic caucus members issued a joint statement calling Republicans “cowardly” for leaving Washington without holding the vote.

“Even as we prepare to recognize our nation’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day, House Republicans refuse to show up and be accountable to the brave service members that have been recklessly put in harm’s way,” the statement said.

GOP divide deepens as questions grow over war authority

The delayed vote highlights widening divisions among Republicans over Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, which began in late February without congressional authorization.

Rep Brian Fitzpatrick said Congress had reached the legal point where lawmakers must act. “We're past 60 days so it's got to be brought to us to vote on. We're following the law,” he said.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise defended postponing the vote, saying it was intended to give absent lawmakers time to return for a future vote, while Speaker Mike Johnson declined to answer reporters’ questions as he exited the chamber.

The White House has argued the War Powers Resolution no longer applies because of the current ceasefire with Iran, though Trump recently stated US forces should remain ready for a “full, large-scale assault” if negotiations with Tehran fail.