Khanna and Massie Threaten to Force Vote on Iran as Prospect of US Attack Looms

Democratic and Republican representatives push for congressional vote on Iran-related measure amid rising tensions.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie are threatening to force a vote in Congress on an Iran-related measure as the prospect of a U.S. military attack on Iran looms. The representatives want to invoke the War Powers Resolution to require the president to get congressional approval before launching any unauthorized hostilities against Iran.

Why it matters

This move by Khanna and Massie highlights the ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches over the authority to declare war. It also reflects growing concerns among some lawmakers about the prospect of another U.S. military intervention in the Middle East without clear congressional approval.

The details

Khanna and Massie have introduced a measure that would order the president to terminate any unauthorized use of U.S. armed forces against Iran. They plan to use a procedural motion to try to force a vote on the measure in the House. This comes as Trump administration officials reportedly believe there is a 90% chance of U.S. strikes on Iran in the coming weeks, raising the stakes for Congress to weigh in.

  • On Wednesday, Khanna and Massie announced their plan to force a vote on the Iran measure next week.
  • In June 2025, Massie first introduced the Iran-related measure that Khanna and other Democrats are now co-sponsoring.

The players

Ro Khanna

Democratic U.S. Representative from California who is co-sponsoring the measure to require congressional approval for any unauthorized U.S. military action against Iran.

Thomas Massie

Republican U.S. Representative from Kentucky who introduced the measure in June 2025 to restrict the president's ability to take military action against Iran without congressional approval.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President who has been pressuring Iran to make a deal to give up its nuclear weapons ambitions and has threatened military action if negotiations fail.

Marco Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State who emphasized that the Trump administration will comply with applicable laws regarding involving Congress in decisions about military action against Iran.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister of Israel who recently met with President Trump to discuss the Iran issue.

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What they’re saying

“Trump officials say there's a 90% chance of strikes on Iran. He can't without Congress. @RepThomasMassie & I have a War Powers Resolution to debate & vote on war before putting U.S. troops in harm's way. I will make a motion to discharge to force a vote on it next week.”

— Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative (X)

“Congress must vote on war according to our Constitution. @RepRoKhanna and I will be forcing that vote to happen in the House as soon as possible. I will vote to put America first which means voting against more war in the Middle East.”

— Thomas Massie, U.S. Representative (X)

“We'll always comply with the applicable laws... in terms of involving Congress in any decisions. We'll follow whatever the law is on it.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (Press conference)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.