Congress returns as Iran war debate intensifies

Lawmakers returned to Washington this week facing mounting pressure over the Iran conflict, as the Congress Iran war debate intensifies across both chambers.

The renewed session puts Donald Trump’s military strategy under scrutiny while opening the door to high-stakes votes on war powers, government funding and the potential expulsion of multiple members of Congress.

Democrats push to curb war powers

House and Senate Democrats are preparing to force votes on resolutions aimed at limiting the president’s authority to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval.

The measures would require Trump to end hostilities unless Congress formally authorizes the use of force. Similar efforts have narrowly failed in the past, but shifting political dynamics could draw additional Republican support.

Expulsion votes loom over House

Beyond foreign policy, Congress is also confronting internal turmoil.

Several lawmakers could face expulsion votes in the coming days, including Eric Swalwell, who is under investigation over sexual misconduct allegations.

Other cases include:

• Rep. Tony Gonzales, who acknowledged an affair with a former staffer
• Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, indicted over alleged misuse of federal funds
• Rep. Cory Mills, who is facing separate misconduct allegations

Expelling a member requires a two-thirds majority, a threshold rarely met in U.S. history.

Government funding crisis drags on

The return to session also comes amid a prolonged partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, now stretching into its third month.

Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to act on a Senate-approved funding bill, leaving uncertainty over how Congress will resolve the impasse.

Republicans are instead advancing a narrower budget plan through reconciliation, led in the Senate by Lindsey Graham, with backing from the White House.

High-stakes legislative agenda

In addition to the Iran war and funding battles, lawmakers face a packed agenda that includes:

• Budget hearings with Cabinet officials such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• A possible extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)
• Ongoing oversight investigations, including issues tied to Jeffrey Epstein

The narrow Republican majority in the House adds further complexity, with leadership needing near-unanimous support to pass key measures.

Political pressure builds

As Congress reopens, the convergence of foreign policy tensions, domestic political crises and legislative deadlines is creating one of the most volatile moments of the year in Washington.

The outcome of the Congress Iran war debate — alongside internal disciplinary battles — could shape both U.S. foreign policy and the political landscape heading into the next election cycle.