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In a decisive vote on Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected Rep. Al Green’s latest attempt to impeach President Trump over the recent strikes on Iran. The measure was tabled 344–79, with a bipartisan majority, effectively ending the effort before serious debate could begin.
Green, known for his repeated impeachment pushes, framed his resolution as a constitutional duty. He called the airstrikes on Iran — conducted without congressional approval — “a de facto declaration of war.” He argued it was essential to hold a president accountable for military action that bypasses elected representatives.
Despite this urgency, only 79 Democrats supported Green’s resolution. A surprising 128 Democrats joined Republicans in voting to table it, signaling significant resistance within the party. Notably, top Democratic leaders including Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Pete Aguilar (D-CA) voted to block the effort, underscoring its political fragility.
Green accused fellow lawmakers of refusing to act when the nation faces a moment of possible conflict. “I did not come to Congress to be a bystander while a president abuses power,” he stated. “Dragging the country into unauthorized war must be checked.”
Progressive allies, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, echoed his concerns. AOC described Trump’s airstrikes as “a grave violation of the Constitution” and called them grounds for impeachment. She argued that failure to respond sets a dangerous precedent for future presidents.
President Trump responded defiantly on social media, mocking the impeachment attempt and targeting his critics, including AOC and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. He branded them as politically motivated and overshadowed by plummeting poll numbers.
Meanwhile, Democratic leadership shifted the spotlight toward legislative strategies. Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that Congress needs formal briefings from the administration and should consider a War Powers resolution rather than pursuing impeachment. He argued that war authorization and oversight were a more viable and less divisive path forward.
Tuesday’s vote marks another chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war over presidential war powers. With impeachment off the table, attention is expected to turn to structured oversight and formal checks on military action—though the divide between progressives and moderates in Congress remains stark.
