House votes to limit President Trump's military action against Iran for third time

Washington — On September 15, 2026, the House voted to block President Trump from taking further military action against Iran, with a tally of 220 to 204. This marks the third time such a vote has occurred, with seven Republicans joining Democrats in opposing the president. The resolution drew more support from Republicans compared to previous votes in June and July. New Republican supporters include Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn of Iowa, alongside four Republicans who had supported prior resolutions: Reps. Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky. It remains uncertain if the Senate will address the measure in its remaining two weeks of session before the November elections. A previous war powers resolution passed in July has not progressed in the Senate, and another resolution was adopted in June, which the White House has contested. The resolution, introduced by Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, instructs the president to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran. As of August 28, six months into the conflict, the Trump administration has not provided an exit strategy while seeking additional funding for the war, which the president initially estimated would last four to five weeks. The Pentagon stated that Operation Epic Fury, the initial strikes against Iran, concluded in May, but hostilities have persisted. A ceasefire intended to end the conflict collapsed in July, and oil shipments from the region remain limited, contributing to high global energy prices. President Trump has defended his approach, suggesting the conflict will conclude immediately after the election. Republicans are attempting to secure up to $73 billion in new funding for the war through a reconciliation process, although efforts have stalled in the Senate due to the inclusion of funding for Trump's voting regulations bill, the SAVE America Act. The Congressional Budget Office released an analysis estimating the war could cost between $2 billion and $3 billion per month for its duration, with direct costs to the U.S. estimated at approximately $38 billion from February 28 to August 1. Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated during floor debate that the administration has not shown that the war has achieved a lasting strategic resolution to the threats posed by Iran.