US House Action Comes Ahead of Midterm Elections
WASHINGTON, September 16, 2026: The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a war powers resolution seeking to end President Donald Trump’s military involvement in the conflict with Iran without congressional authorization.
The measure, approved by a 220-204 vote, marks the third time the House has taken action this year to restrict Trump’s authority over military operations against Iran. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.
The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Representative Seth Moulton, calls for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran, with an exception for personnel required to protect American or allied bases in the Middle East.
House Action Comes Ahead of Midterm Elections
The vote took place weeks before the November midterm elections and during one of the House’s final voting periods before lawmakers return to their districts for campaigning.
Previous efforts to limit presidential war powers over Iran have also been introduced in Congress. The latest House vote comes as lawmakers debate the military, economic and legal implications of the prolonged conflict.
The measure does not by itself immediately end U.S. military operations. Further congressional action would be required, and previous resolutions have not reached the president for enactment.
Iran War Costs Reach About $38 Billion
The congressional action also comes amid growing scrutiny of the financial cost of the conflict.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that U.S. military operations against Iran had directly cost about $38 billion between February 28 and August 1, 2026. The estimate includes expenses such as replacing munitions, equipment losses, fuel and additional military operations.
The CBO further estimated that continuing the conflict could cost approximately $2 billion to $3 billion per month, depending on the intensity of military operations. The agency also projected additional inflationary pressure from the conflict.
The House vote therefore adds another significant congressional challenge to the administration’s approach to the Iran conflict, while the debate over military authority, war costs and U.S. strategy continues.