State leaders react to House narrowly rejecting Iran war powers resolution

PHOENIX — State leaders reacted Thursday after the House narrowly rejected the Iran war powers resolution.

The resolution would have required President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval for any further action in Iran under the 1973 War Powers Act.

The House of Representatives rejected the measure in a 212 to 219 vote. The three Arizona Democrats all voted “yes,” while the nine Republicans who represent the Grand Canyon State all voted “no.”

U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (Democrat), a daughter of Iranian immigrants who fled Iran, released her own statement, explaining why she voted “yes” on the bipartisan resolution.

“The Islamic Republic is a brutal regime that has massacred its own people at a scale unprecedented in this century,” Ansari wrote. “We must hold the regime accountable for its horrific crimes and stand with the people of Iran in their fight for freedom and democracy.

“At the same time, as an American Congresswoman who swore an oath to the United States Constitution, I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to launch another illegal war, risking the lives of tens of thousands of U.S. servicemembers without Congressional authorization and without presenting a clear plan to the American public.”

Ansari emphasized the under the Constitution only Congress has the power to declare war, adding that she wants nothing more than for Iran to be free and its people to be safe and secure but stating the president has made it clear that is not a concern for him.

“The fate of the Iranian people and the United States are at stake,” Ansari said. “That is why I voted yes on the War Powers Resolution to stop this illegal war.”

U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D) also released a statement after voting in support of the war powers resolution.

“This administration’s blatantly unconstitutional military intervention in Iran has already cost the lives of U.S. troops and innocent school children,” Grijalva wrote. “The Middle East is now more unstable and Iran is at risk of a bloody civil war that could entangle the U.S. into yet another endless conflict.

“The answer is not more escalation – it is urgent diplomacy and serious engagement with our allies to prevent nuclear proliferation. We should not send another generation of Americans into perpetual war. This Administration’s recklessness is exactly why the law requires the President to consult with Congress before engaging in acts of war. When will we learn the lessons of our history?”

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D) released a video explaining that he voted “yes” to require the president to make his case to Congress before allowing Trump’s strikes on Iran to continue.

The Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to declare war and authorize war powers.

That’s why I voted YES to require the president to make his case to Congress before continuing his strikes on Iran. pic.twitter.com/N9QQjqaoGV

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) March 5, 2026

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R) defended Trump stating his actions against Iran fall within his Article II authority as commander in chief as well as the parameters of the War Powers Act of 1973.

I will always support the constitutional balance of powers, but I will also support a President who is acting lawfully and within his constitutional authority to decisively keep Americans safe. pic.twitter.com/E9OCWzkGlX

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) March 5, 2026

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