GOP Stifles Democrats' Attempt to Curb Trump's Aggressive Stance on Iran
WASHINGTON — House Democrats made a bold move on Thursday, attempting to pass a resolution aimed at curbing President Trump’s aggressive military posture towards Iran, following his alarming declaration that “a whole civilization” could face annihilation.
Despite the ongoing two-week spring recess, Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., alongside fellow Democrats, returned to Washington for a brief “pro forma” session, hoping to secure unanimous consent for their resolution.
However, the session was abruptly cut short by Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, who presided over the gathering and failed to recognize Ivey for a vote. This prompted an uproar from Democrats, with shouts of "Shame!" echoing through the chamber.
Outside the Capitol, Democratic leaders condemned Trump’s threats to target civilian infrastructure in Iran and his vow to revert the nation back to the "Stone Age" unless its leaders agreed to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Democrats urged Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to reconvene the House and address the war powers issue directly. Johnson has yet to respond to these calls.
"We've been at war for 40 days while only being in session for 33," Ivey remarked to reporters, criticizing the Speaker's absence during critical times. "The threats of total annihilation were beyond the pale. It's time for Congress to step in and take control of the wheel," he asserted.
Calls for action have also emerged from some conservative figures outside Congress, urging Vice President JD Vance and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment due to Trump’s incendiary remarks.
In a twist, Trump retreated from his earlier threats before a self-imposed deadline, announcing a two-week ceasefire with Iran facilitated by Pakistan. He warned that if a "REAL AGREEMENT" was not reached, "then the 'Shootin’ Starts,' bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before."
The Democrats' resolution is just a precursor to a more significant initiative planned for next week when Congress reconvenes. Senate Democrats are poised to push for their own war powers resolution aimed at halting Trump’s military actions in Iran and mandating congressional approval for any future operations.
“This temporary ceasefire agreement — which is already being violated — starts a very short clock for Congress to finally end this unprecedented chaos,” stated Senators Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Cory Booker, D-N.J.; and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., among others. “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.”
The exact timing of the War Powers vote remains uncertain but can be initiated by any member of the minority party at any moment. A simple majority is required for passage.
Recent months have seen the GOP-controlled Senate reject similar resolutions aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions, with only Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky consistently supporting them. However, Democrats are determined to intensify pressure on Republicans who are uneasy about Trump’s escalating rhetoric towards Iran.
Trump ignited controversy on Tuesday when he warned via Truth Social that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless an agreement was reached with Tehran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed off, affecting global oil shipments and driving up gas prices.
While Trump backed down from launching a catastrophic strike on Iran, Democrats remain steadfast in their discussions surrounding the 25th Amendment and potential impeachment should they regain control of the House in November.
In a communication to his Democratic Caucus, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., announced that Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin would lead a virtual briefing on accountability regarding Trump and the 25th Amendment for party members on Friday afternoon.
Despite their concerns, Democrats lack the power to invoke the 25th Amendment independently. This constitutional provision allows members of the president's Cabinet and vice president to declare him unfit for duty and remove him from office.
The discussion surrounding the 25th Amendment has energized progressive factions within the party. Even some former allies of Trump have called for its application. “25TH AMENDMENT!!! Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization,” former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., expressed on X in response to Trump’s comments. "This is evil and madness."
On Thursday, Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., a member of the Judiciary Committee, called upon Republicans surrounding Trump to take action against his presidency. “The words and actions of this president have proved that he is unhinged and unwell,” Dean stated. “When will my Republican colleagues stand up in the House, in the Senate, the vice president, the Cabinet secretaries who surround this mad man? When will they grow a spine? When will they say, 'Stop!'”
