RELEASE: Gottheimer to Administration: Brief Congress on Iran — Statement Following House Vote on His War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, May 14, 2026, the House voted on Josh Gottheimer’s resolution to enforce Congress’s constitutional responsibility to declare war, raise and support armies, maintain a navy, and make rules for the military. Gottheimer made clear that the Iranian regime must be crushed, but Congress and the American people cannot be left in the dark on the President’s objectives, our progress, and what success looks like

Today marks seventy-five days since the start of the conflict in Iran. In furtherance of the Constitution, the War Powers Act of 1973 clearly requires the President, within sixty days, to explain his objectives and strategy to Congress, and to seek either a formal declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force. President Trump has failed to meet any of these requirements.

Unlike other proposals, Gottheimer’s resolution makes clear the serious threat posed by the Iranian Regime and maintains America’s ability to defend our troops, embassies, and allies from imminent attack.

“This vote isn’t about whether we should crush the Iranian Regime — we should,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “This is about defending the Constitution, preserving checks and balances, and ensuring Congress fulfills its responsibility as a coequal branch of government.” 

Gottheimer made clear that he continues to strongly support crushing the Iranian regime — the world’s leading state sponsor of terror — which has spent decades chanting “Death to America,” funding terrorist proxies including Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis, attacking American troops and allies, and brutally murdering its own people seeking freedom and democracy. Gottheimer has consistently supported efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, drone operations, and terror proxy networks.

“It’s a message to the President and his Administration: come to us and make your case. ” Gottheimer continued. “It’s been seventy-four days since the start of the conflict in Iran, and Congress still hasn’t been formally briefed on the objectives, our progress, or what success looks like.” 

In remarks delivered on the House floor ahead of the vote, Gottheimer argued that Congress has a constitutional obligation under Article I to provide oversight and authorize military action, and criticized the Administration for failing to adequately brief Congress on the objectives and status of the conflict in Iran.

###