Speaker Johnson pushes back on Iran war resolution, warning it would tie Trump’s hands

House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing back on a proposed war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to continue military operations in Iran. He called the prospect of the measure passing “frightening” after a briefing on the operation.

The debate was detailed by The Hill, which reported that Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie are trying to force a vote. Their measure would require congressional authorization for any further military force against Iran, and they are aiming to bring it to the floor.

Khanna and Massie argue the current operation puts U.S. troops at risk and does not align with an “America First” agenda. Johnson, however, said stripping the commander in chief of the ability to finish the job would be dangerous, and he said he is hopeful and confident there are votes to defeat the resolution.

Johnson argues the president acted within his authority

The push comes after the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran following weeks of threats from Trump, including calls for a change in leadership in Tehran. Lawmakers have also been split over Iran strike victory claims. Johnson previously posted on X that the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” was briefed that military action might become necessary to protect American troops and citizens.

Trump told a news outlet Monday morning that the “big wave” of the operation is still to come. Asked how long the war might last, he said he does not want it to go on too long, initially thinking it would be about four weeks, and added that he believes they are a little ahead of schedule.

Johnson said Monday he believes the president “was acting well within his authority” and that congressional authorization was not required because it was not a declaration of war. He described the action as defensive in nature and necessary, and he also argued that briefing a larger group beyond the “Gang of Eight” risked leaking sensitive intelligence.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged lawmakers to support the war powers resolution, arguing Trump needs to be constrained. He said the Constitution does not make the U.S. the “policemen and women of the world,” and he emphasized diplomacy and coalition building, which he said were not pursued in this instance.

Last week, Khanna and Massie’s measure appeared unlikely to pass amid strong Republican opposition, and some Democrats also signaled resistance. The debate has also unfolded amid Americans moving abroad surge. Massie said he wants lawmakers on the record, posting on X that he opposes the war as not “America First” and believes the Constitution requires a vote so representatives must publicly support or oppose it.