On June 3, 2026, the House prepared to vote on a critical measure directing President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran or seek Congressional approval to continue the conflict. This measure had previously been set to pass in late May, but Republican leaders postponed the vote to avoid an embarrassing defeat for both the party and the president.

If adopted, the resolution would challenge President Trump’s management of the Iran engagement. Despite Congress’s attempts to assert its authority, the GOP has often deferred to the president. Two weeks ago, Republicans delayed the vote, acknowledging a lack of sufficient support to defeat the resolution.

As the vote approaches, it is uncertain if Republicans have made progress in gaining support, given the ongoing nature of the conflict and minimal advancements by President Trump to resolve it. Democrats have invoked the War Powers Resolution, mandating consideration of such measures within a specified timeframe, preventing further delays.

Last month, three House Republicans supported a similar resolution that narrowly failed, highlighting growing opposition to the military campaign now entering its fourth month.

These developments occur amid widening rifts between Congressional Republicans and the president, with divergences on key issues emerging as the midterm congressional elections approach. Recently, Senate Republicans compelled President Trump to retract his request for $1 billion in security funds for his ballroom project and challenge a Justice Department plan to establish a federal compensation fund for alleged government victims.

Even if the resolution passes in both the House and Senate, there remains a disputed legal aspect regarding Congress’s power to compel a president to withdraw troops. President Trump and his senior aides continue to dismiss Congressional efforts to restrict his war powers as unconstitutional.

The Senate’s recent move on a similar measure saw a small group of GOP members opposing the war, indicating growing pressure from within the president’s party to terminate a conflict deemed costly and unwarranted by most Americans.

Robert Jimison covers Congress for The Times, focusing on defense and foreign policy. Megan Mineiro is a congressional reporter with the Times and part of the 2025-26 Fellowship class for early-career journalists.