Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., is urging renewed consideration of a Democrat-led war powers resolution that would require President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran. Ivey emphasized the urgency of bringing the resolution to a vote, stating, 'Now we're at a point where gas prices have gone up more than a dollar per gallon. We spent $54 billion on this war so far, and there's no end in sight' [1]. The proposed resolution would restrict the president from engaging in further military action against Iran without a formal declaration of war, except for defensive purposes [1].
Republican leaders have criticized the resolution, arguing it would unnecessarily constrain the administration during a period of international uncertainty. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stated, 'As you know, the War Powers Resolution failed. That is the right result. We are not at war. We have no intention of being at war. The president and the Department of War have made it very clear that this is a limited operation' [1]. The House previously voted down a similar Iran war powers resolution in March, with a 212-2019 vote [1].
The U.S. initiated hostilities with Iran on February 28, conducting a joint bombing attack with Israel that targeted Iran’s military leadership and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump administration officials justified the campaign as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon [1]. Since then, Democratic lawmakers have criticized the administration for engaging in military action without congressional approval, citing the War Powers Act of 1973, which requires such approval for engagements extending beyond 60 days [1].
Despite a recent ceasefire agreement, Rep. Ivey expressed skepticism about the prospects for lasting peace, referencing ongoing negotiations and a lack of common ground between the U.S. and Iran. He noted, 'The 10-point proposal that Iran sent to us and the 15 points that we sent back, I don't see any common ground on that' [1]. The continued uncertainty has contributed to market volatility, with gas prices rising by more than a dollar per gallon since the conflict began [1].
CONCLUSION
The ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict has led to a significant increase in gas prices and prompted renewed calls from Democrats for congressional oversight of military actions. With no clear resolution in sight and skepticism about the effectiveness of current negotiations, market uncertainty remains elevated.