House GOP Cancels Iran War Powers Vote

House Republicans canceled a scheduled vote on Thursday, May 21, 2026, on an Iran war powers resolution that would have compelled President Trump to withdraw from the conflict without congressional approval. The measure had bipartisan support and appeared likely to pass. GOP leaders delayed the vote until after the Memorial Day recess in early June.

The cancellation came as congressional support for Trump's Iran war has been waning. Earlier this week, the Senate advanced a similar resolution with bipartisan support, marking only a first step but a significant milestone for Democrats who have faced seven previous failures to advance Iran-related measures. According to CBS News, the Trump administration is preparing for potential new military strikes against Iran while continuing diplomatic efforts. No final decision on strikes had been reached as of Friday afternoon.

Democrats accused Republicans of avoiding political embarrassment and playing politics. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic caucus leaders called the move 'cowardly' in a joint statement, according to The Guardian. They argued that Republicans were refusing to be accountable to service members put in harm's way. Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters that they had the votes without question and Republicans knew it.

The delay has drawn fierce criticism from Democrats, who framed the move as an indication that Speaker Mike Johnson lacked the support needed to sustain Trump's war effort. According to CBS News, defense and intelligence officials have begun updating recall rosters for U.S. installations overseas in anticipation of possible Iranian retaliation.