House Republicans have rejected an effort by Democrats to force a vote on resolution to limit President Trump’s ability to wage war on Iran. On Thursday, with most of Congress still on recess, Maryland Democratic Congressmember Glenn Ivey rose to speak during a pro forma session, where he asked to pass an Iran war powers resolution by unanimous consent. But Republican Speaker Pro Tempore Chris Smith quickly gaveled the session to a close without allowing Ivey to speak.

Rep. Chris Smith: “Pursuant to clause 13 of rule 1, the House stands adjourned until 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13th, 2026.”

Congressmember Ivey and other House Democrats gathered on the Capitol steps after their attempt to force a vote on a war powers resolution was pushed off until at least next week. This is Pennsylvania Congresswoman Madeleine Dean.

Rep. Madeleine Dean: “Over the weekend, we read and heard the president’s Easter morning tweet of profanity, blasphemy, danger and, the following day, his threat to eliminate an entire civilization. Pause there. These are not normal times America. When will my Republican colleagues stand up in the House, in the Senate, the vice president, the Cabinet secretaries who surround this madman? When will they grow a spine? When will they say, 'Stop'?”