Republicans kill Dems' bid to end Iran war after Trump warned 'civilization will die tonight'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran faced renewed scrutiny after House Republicans blocked a Democratic-led effort to halt US military involvement.

The move came on Thursday, April 9, days after Trump warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran did not meet US demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Lawmakers attempted to advance a War Powers Resolution during a pro forma session, but the effort was halted. Democrats are now preparing a broader push in the Senate to force a vote on limiting the president’s authority.

House Democrats blocked from advancing War Powers Resolution

House Democrats returned to Washington during a two-week recess to seek unanimous consent for a resolution aimed at stopping US military operations in Iran. The effort was led by Glenn Ivey and others during a brief pro forma session.

However, the presiding Republican, Chris Smith, adjourned the session without recognizing Ivey, effectively blocking the attempt. Democrats protested the move, with some lawmakers shouting “shame!” as the session ended.

Speaking afterwards, Ivey criticized both the president’s rhetoric and congressional inaction.

“We've been at war for 40 days. We've only been in session for 33, which is another part of this pattern for the speaker, being away and being on vacation instead of being here getting the people's work done,” he said.

He added, “The threats of total annihilation were beyond the pale. It's time for Congress to step in and take control of the wheel.”

Democrats also condemned Trump’s statements about targeting Iranian infrastructure and warning of severe consequences if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

They called on House Speaker Mike Johnson to reconvene the chamber for a formal vote, though those requests have not been acted upon.

Senate Democrats plan renewed push amid escalating tensions

Democratic lawmakers in the Senate have indicated they will pursue a more formal effort to limit Trump’s military authority when Congress reconvenes. Senators, including Tim Kaine, Cory Booker, and Chris Murphy, said they intend to force a vote on a War Powers Resolution.

“This temporary ceasefire agreement, which is already being violated, starts a very short clock for Congress to finally end this unprecedented chaos,” the senators said in a joint statement.

“Absent immediate steps by Republican leadership to stand up to Trump’s increasingly erratic behavior, we will once again force a vote on a War Powers Resolution to finally end this dangerous war in the Middle East,” they continued. 

They added, “The American people do not want and have not authorized it, but nonetheless keep paying the price.”

While such resolutions require only a simple majority to pass, previous attempts in the Republican-controlled Senate have failed, with limited GOP support. Rand Paul has been among the few Republicans to back similar measures.

Some Republicans have also voiced concern. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote, “25TH AMENDMENT!!! Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization,” adding, “This is evil and madness.”