Congress Returns to Debates on Iran, Potential Expulsions

Democrats plan war powers votes as Trump announces naval blockade, while House faces decisions on misconduct allegations

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:35am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting depicting a naval ship in the Strait of Hormuz, with overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in shades of blue, green, and grey, conveying a sense of motion and tension.As tensions escalate over the U.S. military's campaign against Iran, the announcement of a naval blockade adds to the complex geopolitical dynamics unfolding in the region.San Francisco Today

As Congress returns from recess, Democrats in both the House and Senate plan to force votes regarding the U.S. military's campaign against Iran this week, just as President Donald Trump is announcing a new naval blockade. Meanwhile, the House is also staring down the possibility of expulsion votes for several members facing allegations of misconduct.

Why it matters

The upcoming votes on the U.S. military's actions against Iran reflect the ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches over war powers. Additionally, the potential expulsions of House members accused of misconduct highlight the chamber's efforts to address ethical breaches by its own members.

The details

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters last week that Democrats will 'force another vote on the House floor around the War Powers Resolution that will compel the Trump administration to cease military hostilities immediately.' This comes after weekend talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad yielded no agreement, and Trump announced a naval blockade targeting Iran. In the Senate, Democrats also indicated they planned to force more war powers votes as soon as this week.

  • Congress returns from recess this week.
  • Trump announced a naval blockade targeting Iran on Sunday.
  • The House is expected to take up an amended version of aviation safety legislation and may also consider a reauthorization of contentious surveillance authorities.

The players

Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader, a Democrat from New York.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from California who is accused of sexual misconduct and has suspended his campaign for governor.

Tony Gonzales

A Republican Congressman from Texas who may face a vote on potential removal from office due to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Upon our return, we will force another vote on the House floor around the War Powers Resolution that will compel the Trump administration to cease military hostilities immediately so we can all focus on the issues that we know matter to everyday Americans.'”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

“'The meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The House is expected to take up an amended version of aviation safety legislation and may also consider a reauthorization of contentious surveillance authorities.

The takeaway

The upcoming votes on the U.S. military's actions against Iran and the potential expulsions of House members accused of misconduct highlight the ongoing tensions and ethical challenges facing Congress as it returns from recess.