June 25, 2025 09:00 AM PST
(PenniesToSave.com) – A new political firestorm ignited after President Trump authorized airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites without congressional approval. The move triggered a resolution in the House of Representatives, led by Rep. Al Green, to impeach the president for abuse of power under the War Powers Clause. While the effort was ultimately blocked by a motion to table the resolution, the vote revealed deeper tensions inside the Democratic Party about how far Congress should go to check presidential military authority.
Quick Links
- Who led the impeachment effort?
- Why did the House vote to table it?
- Which Democrats broke ranks?
- What does this imply for future action?
Who led the impeachment effort?
Representative Al Green of Texas has long been a vocal critic of unchecked presidential power, particularly when it comes to military action. In June 2025, he introduced an article of impeachment against President Trump after the administration launched targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Green contended that the military action was carried out without proper consultation with Congress, in violation of the War Powers Resolution.
Green argued that this type of unilateral military action sets a dangerous precedent. He emphasized that the issue at hand was not about partisan politics but about protecting the constitutional balance of power. His call for accountability drew support from several progressive lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sean Casten, who echoed concerns about the erosion of congressional oversight.
Although the resolution was not expected to pass, Green’s effort forced lawmakers to take a public stance on war powers and executive accountability. In doing so, it reignited a longstanding debate over the limits of presidential authority in foreign military engagements.
Why did the House vote to table it?
The House voted 344 to 79 in favor of tabling the resolution, effectively shelving the impeachment attempt without a full debate. This included support from all Republicans and 128 Democrats, signaling broad bipartisan reluctance to pursue another impeachment case, particularly so soon after the Iran operation.
Democratic leadership emphasized their desire to avoid politicizing national security. Figures like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer maintained that while oversight was important, impeachment was not the right tool in this case. Instead, they advocated for intelligence briefings and legislative checks on executive authority. They expressed concern that another impeachment effort could derail focus on critical domestic issues, including budget talks and healthcare policy.
The vote also reflected political caution. Many Democrats represent moderate or swing districts and may have feared backlash from voters if seen as overreaching. Republicans framed the resolution as opportunistic and divisive, arguing that President Trump acted decisively to defend national interests. The bipartisan nature of the vote underscored a shared interest in stability and measured responses, even in moments of intense disagreement over war policy.
Which Democrats broke ranks?
Despite the overwhelming vote to table the resolution, 79 Democrats broke with leadership and voted against shelving the measure. These members supported continuing with impeachment proceedings and argued that the president’s decision to launch airstrikes without congressional authorization deserved full accountability.
Notable dissenters included Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sean Casten, and Pramila Jayapal. Their votes reflected deep concerns over the expansion of executive war powers. Many of these lawmakers represent progressive districts where voters expect more aggressive checks on presidential authority. Their argument centered on the idea that allowing military strikes without oversight undermines the Constitution and gives future presidents even more unchecked power.
By contrast, 128 Democrats voted in favor of tabling the resolution. These members helped shut down the impeachment effort, aligning with Republican counterparts and party leadership. Their decision reflected strategic calculations, institutional caution, or belief that other tools would better preserve balance.
Democratic Yea Votes
| Representative | Representative |
|---|---|
| Rep. Adam Gray [D, 2025-2026] (CA-13) | Rep. Julia Brownley [D, 2013-2026] (CA-26) |
| Rep. Adam Smith [D, 1997-2026] (WA-9) | Rep. Julie Johnson [D, 2025-2026] (TX-32) |
| Rep. Ami Bera [D, 2023-2026] (CA-6) | Rep. Katherine Clark [D, 2013-2026] (MA-5) |
| Rep. Andrea Salinas [D, 2023-2026] (OR-6) | Rep. Kathy Castor [D, 2013-2026] (FL-14) |
| Rep. André Carson [D, 2008-2026] (IN-7) | Rep. Kelly Morrison [D, 2025-2026] (MN-3) |
| Rep. Angie Craig [D, 2019-2026] (MN-2) | Rep. Ken McEachin [D, 2025-2026] (VA-4) |
| Rep. April McClain Delaney [D, 2025-2026] (MD-6) | Rep. Kim Schrier [D, 2019-2026] (WA-8) |
| Rep. Betty McCollum [D, 2001-2026] (MN-4) | Rep. Lori Trahan [D, 2019-2026] (MA-3) |
| Rep. Bill Foster [D, 2013-2026] (IL-11) | Rep. Lucy McBath [D, 2019-2026] (GA-7) |
| Rep. Brad Schneider [D, 2017-2026] (IL-10) | Rep. Madeleine Dean [D, 2019-2026] (PA-4) |
| Rep. Brittany Pettersen [D, 2023-2026] (CO-7) | Rep. Marc Veasey [D, 2013-2026] (TX-33) |
| Rep. Chris Deluzio [D, 2023-2026] (PA-17) | Rep. Marilyn Strickland [D, 2021-2026] (WA-10) |
| Rep. Chris Pappas [D, 2019-2026] (NH-1) | Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon [D, 2018-2026] (PA-5) |
| Rep. Chrissy Houlahan [D, 2019-2026] (PA-6) | Rep. Mikie Sherrill [D, 2019-2026] (NJ-11) |
| Rep. Cleo Fields [D, 2025-2026] (LA-6) | Rep. Morgan McGarvey [D, 2023-2026] (KY-3) |
| Rep. Dan Goldman [D, 2023-2026] (NY-10) | Rep. Pat Ryan [D, 2022-2026] (NY-18) |
| Rep. Darren Soto [D, 2017-2026] (FL-9) | Rep. Pete Aguilar [D, 2015-2026] (CA-33) |
| Rep. Debbie Dingell [D, 2023-2026] (MI-6) | Rep. Raul Ruiz [D, 2013-2026] (CA-25) |
| Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz [D, 2023-2026] (FL-25) | Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [D, 2017-2026] (IL-8) |
| Rep. Deborah Ross [D, 2021-2026] (NC-2) | Rep. Rick Larsen [D, 2001-2026] (WA-2) |
| Rep. Derek Tran [D, 2025-2026] (CA-45) | Rep. Salud Carbajal [D, 2017-2026] (CA-24) |
| Rep. Donald Beyer [D, 2015-2026] (VA-8) | Rep. Scott Peters [D, 2013-2026] (CA-50) |
| Rep. Donald Davis [D, 2023-2026] (NC-1) | Rep. Sharice Davids [D, 2019-2026] (KS-3) |
| Rep. Dwight Evans [D, 2016-2026] (PA-3) | Rep. Steven Horsford [D, 2013-2026] (NV-4) |
| Rep. Elissa Slotkin [D, 2019-2026] (MI-7) | Rep. Suzan DelBene [D, 2012-2026] (WA-1) |
| Rep. Eric Sorensen [D, 2023-2026] (IL-17) | Rep. Susan Wild [D, 2018-2026] (PA-7) |
| Rep. Gabe Vasquez [D, 2023-2026] (NM-2) | Rep. Ted Lieu [D, 2015-2026] (CA-36) |
| Rep. Haley Stevens [D, 2019-2026] (MI-11) | Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez [D, 2021-2026] (NM-3) |
| Rep. Hillary Scholten [D, 2023-2026] (MI-3) | Rep. Val Hoyle [D, 2023-2026] (OR-4) |
| Rep. Ilhan Omar [D, 2019-2026] (MN-5) | Rep. Vicente Gonzalez [D, 2017-2026] (TX-34) |
| Rep. Jake Auchincloss [D, 2021-2026] (MA-4) | Rep. Wiley Nickel [D, 2023-2026] (NC-13) |
What does this imply for future action?
While the impeachment resolution was tabled, the underlying debate over executive war powers is far from settled. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have indicated interest in revisiting the War Powers Resolution and tightening restrictions on future military authorizations. Oversight hearings are expected in the coming months to review the intelligence and justification behind the Iran airstrikes.
This vote may also influence the 2026 and 2028 elections. Progressives will likely emphasize the importance of limiting presidential overreach, while moderates may lean into themes of stability and institutional trust. For President Trump, the episode could bolster his position as a decisive commander-in-chief or provoke renewed criticism from those wary of military adventurism.
Ultimately, this failed impeachment attempt is part of a larger constitutional conversation. It reinforces the tension between Congress and the executive branch, especially in an era where global conflicts can escalate quickly. Future actions, legislative or electoral, will determine whether the current balance of power remains intact.
Final Thoughts
The tabling of the impeachment resolution against President Trump may have ended this specific challenge, but it did not resolve the larger issue at stake. Questions around war powers, executive authority, and congressional responsibility remain central to the functioning of American democracy. The votes cast, especially by those who broke with their party, reflect the ongoing struggle to define the limits of power in times of conflict. As military tensions rise abroad, so too does the pressure at home for accountability, transparency, and constitutional clarity.
Works Cited
Green, Al. “Majority of Democrats Vote to Table Effort to Impeach Trump for Striking Iran.” New York Post, 24 June 2025, www.nypost.com/2025/06/24/us-news/majority-of-democrats-vote-to-table-effort-to-impeach-trump-for-striking-iran/.
Mascari, Lisa, and Kevin Freking. “House Shelves Effort to Impeach Trump Over Iran Strikes.” Associated Press, 24 June 2025, apnews.com/article/684036326d3f80d6c7cdc167f2d508c3.
Stech Ferek, Katy. “AOC Says ‘Impeachment.’ Trump Says Bring It On.” Wall Street Journal, 24 June 2025, www.wsj.com/politics/policy/aoc-trump-impeachment-iran-strikes-edc0cc52.
GovTrack.us. “House Vote H175: Table Impeachment Resolution.” GovTrack, www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/119-2025/h175.
Axios. “Dems Join GOP to Kill Vote Impeaching Trump Over Iran Strikes.” Axios, 24 June 2025, www.axios.com/2025/06/24/trump-impeachment-trump-iran-al-green-democrats.