Case Votes To Assert Congress’ Exclusive Constitutional Authority To Authorize War

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

Case Votes To Assert Congress’ Exclusive Constitutional Authority To Authorize War

Washington, DC, March 5, 2026

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittees on Defense and Homeland Security, issued the following statement on his vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 38, which would direct the President to halt the current Iran war unless and until authorized by Congress.

“I voted today to assert Congress’ exclusive authority under our Constitution to decide when, how and under what conditions our country goes to war. Given not just what the Constitution explicitly states but the risks and consequences of war and the lessons of history, no President should be allowed to ignore our Constitution and our foundational checks and balances and act unilaterally to take us into war. If President Trump believes we should wage war on Iran, he must make that case to Congress and the American people, and Congress must decide whether to authorize war.”

H.Con.Res. 38 does not either authorize or reject the Iran war, but states that the Iran war should not continue without Congressional authorization.

Despite Representative Case’s vote for this bipartisan measure, it failed to pass the House by a vote of 212 – 219.

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Golden statement on War Powers resolution vote

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted against a War Powers Resolution sponsored by Reps. Thomas Massie (KY-04) and Ro Khanna (CA-17) that would have forced an immediate end of military operations in Iran. 

The resolution failed in a 212-219 vote. Golden has instead joined Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) to sponsor a resolution that would give President Donald Trump 30 days to end military action and prohibit the deployment of ground troops without explicit congressional authority. 

Golden released the following statement: 

“The president has not provided sufficient clarity for why this action was necessary at this exact moment. But servicemembers are actively engaged in hostilities, our allies are under attack and the Iranian regime is more desperate than ever to reassert its power. While I do not believe that an abrupt about-face is a good course of action given the reality on the ground, that should not be construed as my approval. While conflict requires that we remain flexible to shifting circumstances, at this time I would not support Congressional authorization or funding for sustained combat operations.

“The president has so far acted within the authorities given to him by Congress through the War Powers Act of 1973. He has been briefing Congress, and he has 60 days to make his case for ongoing operations. This is not an illegal war — but it could become one. 

“There are reasonable constraints Congress should impose. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing the Resolution I have introduced with Congressman Gottheimer, which would cut the president’s authorized timeline for military action to 30 days and prohibit the deployment of ground troops outside the context of search-and-rescue or intelligence gathering. A month is plenty of time for the president to make his case to the American people — and for Congress to weigh in.” 

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Rep. Huffman Statement on Vote to Rein in Trump’s Illegal, Costly War in Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

March 05, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement regarding his vote to pass the bipartisan War Powers Resolution and stop Trump from illegally launching the United States into a costly, deadly “forever war” with Iran:

“I unequivocally oppose Trump’s rash, illegal decision to start a war against Iran without congressional authorization or any clear, consistent reasoning. This administration has proven time and time again it’s willing to follow Trump’s worst impulses and whims with no consideration for diplomacy, human life, or the law.

“The American people want lower prices, affordable health care, and ICE agents off their streets. They want foreign policy and security decisions based on facts and careful planning, not vibes, phone calls from Saudi dictators, or schemes to distract public scrutiny of the Trump-Epstein files fiasco. Instead, Trump is taking our nation into exactly the kind of a regime-change war of choice he swore he would not support, with no regard for the billions of dollars it will cost and the lives of our children and family members who serve in uniform.

“Congress must demand an end to this madness. Unfortunately, my spineless Republican colleagues have let Trump get away with every abuse of power, every illegal act, every choice that has directly hurt the people we represent. And once again, they bowed to the whims of a madman and killed this resolution, enabling Trump, no matter the cost.

“This administration clearly has learned nothing from previous mistakes that led our troops into other costly, endless wars in the Middle East. Trump himself is brazenly admitting this will raise prices and cost an untold number of lives. The American people and our troops deserve better. I will keep searching for ways to rein in Trump and protect the American people.”

Hear my thoughts on Trump’s war in Iran here

Regarding the Republican resolution that reaffirms Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism, Rep. Huffman voted no, stating: “Iran is a deplorable regime that has committed countless atrocities and has continuously been a bad actor on the global stage, and I am under no illusions about that. But the Republican resolution included false statements about al-Queda that could be manipulated to justify Trump’s reckless strikes in Iran, which I cannot support.”

Background

In recent months, tensions between the United States and Iran have increased amid ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and political unrest inside the country. Despite the volatile situation in the region, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and large-scale protests in Iran over economic conditions, the Trump administration authorized military strikes against Iranian targets on February 28, 2026, without seeking prior authorization from Congress.

In response, Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution pursuant to the War Powers Act of 1973 to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over decisions of war and require the Administration to end unauthorized hostilities against Iran. The resolution failed 212 Yeas-219 Nays on March 5, 2026.

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Pallone Statement on Vote in Support of House War Powers Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

“I voted for the War Powers Resolution today because the Constitution is clear: only Congress can declare war.

 

“I believed that in 2002 when I voted against the authorization for the Iraq War, and I believe it just as strongly today. Back then, the drums of war were deafening and the pressure in Washington was immense. The founders made this power explicit for a reason: decisions about war belong to the representatives of the American people, not to one person in the Oval Office acting on instinct or impulse.

 

“Now we are watching the same reckless playbook unfold again. President Trump is spending billions of tax dollars on an unauthorized war when the American people are struggling to pay for groceries and doctor’s appointments. The president has no plan and no interest in combating the affordability crisis here at home.

 

“President Trump has taken the United States into a war with Iran without coming to Congress first. Even the Pentagon acknowledged there was no imminent threat to the United States, yet the bombs fell anyway. American service members are already dead, and the President shrugs and says there will ‘likely be more before it ends.

 

“The American people did not vote for this war. Congress did not authorize it. And the Constitution does not permit it.”

Bacon Offers Condolences Following Death of Bellevue Native in Operation Epic Fury

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Offers Condolences Following Death of Bellevue Native in Operation Epic Fury

Washington, March 3, 2026

Bacon Offers Condolences Following Death of Bellevue Native in Operation Epic Fury

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) today released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced the death of Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska, one of four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed while serving in support of Operation Epic Fury.

“Angie and I are heartbroken to learn of the death of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a proud Nebraskan who served our nation in the U.S. Army Reserve. A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss. Angie and I are praying for their healing and comfort in the days ahead. We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady. These four soldiers are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten.”

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Bacon Secures Six Priorities Included in Farm Bill Advancing Out of Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Secures Six Priorities Included in Farm Bill Advancing Out of Committee

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) voted today to advance H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, out of the House Committee on Agriculture. The bill passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 34-17 and includes all six of Rep. Bacon’s key farm bill priorities. 

The six initiatives championed by Rep. Bacon strengthen agricultural security, modernize federal programs, support beginning farmers, invest in youth leadership, and improve oversight of foreign farmland purchases.

“Passing a full five-year farm bill is about certainty for farmers, ranchers, and families. Nebraska producers need stability heading into planting season and American families need stability at the grocery store. This bill provides regulatory certainty, strengthens our crop safety net, modernizes farm loan programs, and invests in the research and innovation that keep American agriculture competitive,” said Rep. Bacon. “I am pleased that all six of our legislative priorities were included in this bill. We are strengthening oversight of foreign purchases of American farmland, enhancing agricultural cybersecurity, helping beginning farmers compete for land, supporting FFA and 4-H students, and improving SNAP administration so benefits are delivered efficiently and responsibly. Agriculture is economic security and national security, and this legislation equips producers with the tools they need to succeed.”

Rep. Bacon’s priorities included in the Farm Bill:

  1. H.R. 4362 – AFIDA Improvements Act of 2025: Codifies recommendations published by the GAO to amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) to ensure there is timely and detailed data sharing of foreign investments in agricultural land transactions, better oversight and validation of information, and better identifies those foreign entities who do not file notification they have purchased land in the United States. This legislation will help the United States better track and combat the CCP’s efforts to buy up farmland.
  2. H.R. 4156 – Support for Ownership and Investment in Land Act: Modernizes the farm loan process for America’s next generation of agricultural leaders. The legislation allows the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to create a farm loan pre-approval process to allow farmers to make better decisions and not miss opportunities to expand their business operations, which will be especially useful for beginning farmers.
  3. H.R. 4155 – American Agricultural Security Research Act of 2025: Establishes Centers of Excellence at higher education institutions and creates a competitive USDA grant program to strengthen our agricultural cybersecurity infrastructure.
  4. H.R. 2812 – Youth Lead Act: Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to support the operations of Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, and the Scouts. These are preeminent youth leadership organizations in the United States with approximately eight million youth taking part. Participation in these organizations helps children make lifelong friendships and learn leadership and life skills.
  5. H.R. 2811 – SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2025: Gives states the option to hire outside contractors to help process applications during high-demand periods. This contract is terminated once the backlog is cleared.
  6. H.R. 3946 – The FIGHT Act of 2025: The provision will outlaw in-person and online gambling on animal fighting. Animal fighting is a disgusting practice. The animals are often drugged to heighten their aggression and forced to keep fighting even after they’ve suffered grievous injuries such as broken bones, deep gashes, flesh tears, punctured lungs, and pierced eyes. Animal fighting is a form of organized crime, entangled with gangs and cartels, gambling, drug trafficking, illegal weapons dealing, public corruption, and various violent crimes including homicide, child abuse, and human trafficking. The provision will help to end these disgusting practices by ensuring that criminals cannot profit from individuals gambling on animal fighting.

The Farm Bill now advances to the floor of the House of Representatives.

Watch Rep. Bacon’s opening remarks here and see full remarks as delivered below:

I speak in favor of the Farm Bill. I was here in the 115th Congress when we passed the last Farm Bill. The new one is now two years over date. The last Farm Bill was great, but it’s out of date. It needs to be made current again. And this Farm Bill definitely does that. In Nebraska, we’re the number one of 50 states for beef production.

We’re in the top five for pork, corn, soybeans, ethanol, popcorn. It’s important. I represent Omaha, and we have some AG on the sides of Omaha, particularly Saunders County. But we have tons of agribusiness and the financial health of our farmers and ranchers directly impacts all these agribusinesses in Omaha. So this Farm Bill is also important to this business community.

Some of the highlights in this bill, it’s going to help our Nebraska hog producers. It’s going to provide regulatory certainty to various manufacturers. It transfers Food for Peace to the USDA and returns the program to its original intent of addressing the global hunger crisis through the purchase of U.S.-grown commodities. It reduces barriers for beginning farmers trying to gain access to credit. The bill also incentivizes further research and adoption of precision agriculture technologies. Together, these reforms meet the moment by equipping agricultural producers with the certainty and tools they need to succeed.

I am also pleased to have worked to advance multiple other initiatives that were included in this bill. These initiatives include helping farmers navigate the FSA loan application process, financially supporting FFA and 4-H students, enhancing the security of our agricultural supply chains, more effectively tracking foreign farmland purchases, and streamlining the administration of the SNAP program. I am pleased that many of these initiatives have garnered bipartisan backing and want to thank both my Republican and Democratic colleagues for their support. 

I look forward to listening to the debate on these amendments. I look forward to hopefully increasing the bipartisanship with the final bill here. But let’s not be fooled, we’ve got to get this farm bill passed for farmers and ranchers.

I yield.

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LEADER JEFFRIES: “REPUBLICANS ARE PLUNGING AMERICA INTO ANOTHER ENDLESS CONFLICT, BUT THEY CAN’T FIND A DIME TO LOWER BILLS”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue fighting to make sure taxpayer dollars are used to lower the high cost of living and fix our broken health care system, not to let ICE brutalize the American people or to launch endless wars. 

LEADER JEFFRIES: Fundamentally, politics is about the management of public money. How do the people who are entrusted with serving in the House, in the Senate and within an administration prioritize the expenditure of taxpayer dollars? And our view, as Democrats, is that taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people in an environment where the cost of living is way too high, which is why Democrats are going to continue to focus on driving down the high cost of the living, fixing our broken health care system and making sure that people in this country who work hard and play by the rules aren’t simply surviving, but they can thrive, because far too many people in this country are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. One of the challenges that we have in this country is that Republicans have decided to manage the public’s money recklessly. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make your life more affordable. Instead, Republicans have decided to actually use it to enact massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors. That’s what the One Big Ugly Bill was all about. Republicans have decided to use taxpayer dollars to create a $75 billion slush fund to unleash masked and poorly trained, out-of-control ICE agents on American communities, brutalizing and in some cases killing American citizens and violently targeting law-abiding immigrant families. That’s how Republicans have chosen to use the taxpayer dollar of the American people, to manage public money.

And now, of course, we’ve seen Republicans, led by Donald Trump, plunging America into another endless conflict in the Middle East, spending billions of dollars to bomb Iran, but they can’t find a dime to make it more affordable for the American people to go see a doctorwhen they need one. Can’t find a dime to make it easier for Americans who are working hard to purchase their first home. And they can’t find a dime to lower the grocery bills of the American people. And instead, of course, the reckless Trump tariffs have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year. Democrats are committed—this is the fundamental fight at this moment—to making sure that we jealously guard the resources of the American people and we use it to make life better for everyday Americans, not actually make things worse, which is what Donald Trump and the Republicans have done.

Full press conference can be watched here.


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Congresswoman Beatty Introduces a Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jesse Jackson; Calls on Trump to Issue Federal Proclamation Lowering Flags to Half-Staff

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, introduces a resolution that honors the life, legacy, and contributions of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. and sends a letter to President Trump to issue a federal proclamation lowering the flags to half-staff in honor of Reverend Jackson’s passing. In addition, Congresswoman Beatty sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Leader Hakeem Jeffries this afternoon, urging them to lower the Capitol flag on Friday, March 6th, in recognition of Jesse Jackson’s funeral that will take place in Chicago, Illinois. 

This resolution has bipartisan support in addition to being cosponsored by all members of current House Democratic Leadership: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clarke, Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Ted Lieu, and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse. Additional cosponsors include the full membership of the Congressional Black Caucus, leadership of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Grace Meng, Chair of the Progressive Caucus Greg Casar, and over 150 cosponsors total. 

“Reverend Jesse Jackson was a lover of our country and a dear friend to the world,” said Congresswoman Beatty, “He was a civil rights giant, a towering figure in the struggle for social justice and one of the most consequential civil rights leaders of our time. He challenged us to live up to our nation’s greatest ideal: that all men are created equal, and must be treated as such.”

“It is because of this and more, that Beatty is calling on Speaker Mike Johnson under 4 U.S.C. § 7(m) of the United States Flag Code, to honor him by lowering the flags to half-staff,” Congresswoman Beatty continued, “Given President Trump’s favorable comments about Jesse Jackson upon his passing, I urge him to join myself and House Democrats in acknowledging Jesse’s lifelong pursuit of justice. 

“As his dear friend for over five decades, I had the privilege of witnessing his extraordinary impact firsthand. I saw it in 1984 and at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, where I served as a delegate. I can still recall, vividly, the moment he delivered his electrifying “Keep Hope Alive” speech. His presidential campaigns shattered racial barriers, strengthened Black political power and inspired millions.”

“Despite his accolades, his passion was never about personal ambition; it was about lifting others as he climbed. Over the years, his counsel and encouragement were a steady source of my strength. He stood beside me and guided me through my election, offering wisdom that only a seasoned leader and trusted friend could give. I will never forget the night of my first Congressional victory, when he walked onto the stage, lifted my arms in triumph, and celebrated with me. During my tenure as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, his voice remained one of conviction and clarity—reminding me, and all of us, that if we raise our voice and keep the fight, a brighter future is always ahead.”

“Most recently, I had the chance to spend time with him as he faced his illness with quiet strength. His legacy will live on through the people he inspired and the progress he carried forward and entrusted to us to continue.”

“I am proud to carry his charge forward and call on President Trump and Speaker Johnson to lower the flags at half-staff in his honor; honoring this esteemed civil rights giant that paved the way for fairness, justice, and equity for all people.”

Past figures that received a federal proclamation lowering the flags at half-staff include Rosa Parks, Senator John McCain, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Congressman Elijah Cummings, and more. 

You can find the full text of the resolution HERE.

 

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Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Vote for War Powers Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting in favor of the War Powers Resolution to stop the President’s unauthorized war in the Middle East.

“Today, I voted in favor of the War Powers resolution to reaffirm Congress’s constitutional responsibility in decisions of war and peace. The Constitution is clear – the authority to declare war rests with Congress, and the American people deserve transparency and accountability before our nation is drawn into another open-ended military conflict costing precious American lives and taxpayers billions.
 

“Our service members deserve leadership guided by strategy, oversight, and respect for the rule of law, not unilateral decisions that risk escalating tensions without a clear plan. Congress must play its role to ensure that any use of military force reflects the will of the American people and the long-term interest of our nation. This vote is about restoring constitutional balance and ensuring that decisions of such consequence are made with the full accountability the public deserves.
 

“This moment did not arise from an imminent threat to the United States, but from a series of erratic and unilateral actions that have brought us closer to a widespread instability. Americans have seen the cost of prolonged conflicts that begin without clear objectives or accountability. We owe it to our service members and their families to ensure that decisions that could put them in harm’s way are made with deliberation, transparency, and the full participation of Congress. Independent estimates place the cost of this war at over $3 billion already. That’s over $890 million each day the war goes on. President Trump’s war of choice is taking away funding which could be used for programs such as children’s healthcare, housing, or restoring SNAP benefits to help families put food on the table – which were cut by Congressional Republicans last year. Exercising our constitutional responsibility today helps prevent reckless escalation and reinforces the principle that decisions of war and peace must never be made lightly.”

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

 

Pappas Statement on War Powers Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement on his vote for H. Con. Res. 38:

“As Americans mourn the deaths of six of our nation’s bravest citizens, our thoughts must remain with our men and women in uniform, their families, and all those still in harm’s way.

“Iran is a terrorist state that has long fueled death and destruction across the globe. That is why I have always supported efforts to confront Iran’s support for terror and degrade its nuclear and ballistic missile programs through tough sanctions and diplomacy. 

“For too long, politicians of both parties have defended American military operations that quickly spiraled into endless wars without clear, attainable objectives, at the cost of thousands of lives and trillions of dollars. President Trump unilaterally launched military operations in Iran without coming before Congress or speaking directly to the American people.

“Today, I voted to reassert Congress’s authority to prevent another forever war without a clear endgame and a plan to protect our servicemembers, our security interests, and our civilians abroad.”