H. Con. Res. 38 would direct "the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran."

The House rejected H. Con. Res. 38 on March 5, 2026 by a vote of 212 to 219 (Roll Call 85). We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the Constitution delegates the power to declare war to Congress, not the president. Five days earlier, President Donald Trump had transgressed this congressional power when he initiated a war against Iran without first asking Congress for authorization. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who introduced this resolution, was one of only two Republicans who voted yea. Yet every member of Congress - regardless of his position on the war - should have voted for this resolution insisting that the president abide by the Constitution.