Congress Weighs Trump's Iran War Powers, Philly-Area Lawmakers Respond

Lawmakers from the Philadelphia region have varying stances on a bipartisan resolution to limit the president's ability to wage war with Iran.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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As Congress considers a bipartisan war powers resolution to limit President Trump's ability to wage war with Iran, lawmakers from the Philadelphia region have expressed differing views. While some, like Reps. Boyle, Dean, Evans, and Scanlon, support the resolution, others like Rep. Fitzpatrick are still reviewing the text. Sen. McCormick has praised Trump's actions, while Rep. Houlahan has expressed concerns about the readiness implications and the president's constitutional overreach.

Why it matters

The debate over the president's war powers with Iran is a crucial constitutional issue that could have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the lives of American service members. The Philadelphia region's representatives in Congress have an important role to play in shaping this debate and ensuring the appropriate balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

The details

The bipartisan war powers resolution aims to limit President Trump's ability to wage war with Iran without congressional approval. While some Philadelphia-area lawmakers, including Reps. Boyle, Dean, Evans, and Scanlon, support the resolution, others like Rep. Fitzpatrick are still reviewing the text. Sen. McCormick has praised Trump's actions, while Rep. Houlahan has expressed concerns about the readiness implications and the president's constitutional overreach.

  • The war powers resolution is expected to come to the House floor this week.

The players

Brian Fitzpatrick

A Republican U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district, which includes Bucks County.

Dave McCormick

A Republican U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.

Brendan Boyle

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district, which includes parts of Philadelphia.

Madeleine Dean

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district, which includes Montgomery County.

Dwight Evans

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district, which includes parts of Philadelphia.

Mary Gay Scanlon

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district, which includes Delaware County.

Chrissy Houlahan

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district, which includes Chester County.

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What they’re saying

“Make no mistake, Iran is a very bad actor on the world stage, and has been for a long time, but the American people have not been given any evidence of an appreciable change, and Congress did not authorize any action.”

— Chrissy Houlahan, U.S. Representative (WHYY)

“He will also be receiving a classified briefing regarding the Administration's plans and intentions in Iran. Both of these must happen before any decisions are made.”

— Spokesperson for Brian Fitzpatrick (WHYY)

“President Trump, who promised no wars, is now again putting the lives of our men and women in uniform in grave danger all while trampling all over the Constitution.”

— Chrissy Houlahan, U.S. Representative (WHYY)

“Trump 'acted completely within his constitutional authority' when he struck Iran.”

— Dave McCormick, U.S. Senator (WHYY)

What’s next

The bipartisan war powers resolution is expected to come to a vote in the House of Representatives this week.

The takeaway

The debate over President Trump's war powers with Iran highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches over the use of military force. Philadelphia-area lawmakers have taken a range of positions on this issue, reflecting the broader partisan divide in Congress on matters of foreign policy and national security.