A group of House Democrats broke with the overwhelming majority of lawmakers Thursday, voting against a resolution that reaffirmed Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
The nonbinding measure passed easily in the House, drawing strong bipartisan support. Still, 53 Democrats opposed it, drawing renewed attention to divisions within Congress over U.S. policy toward Iran.
Resolution Passes With Wide Bipartisan Support
The resolution, introduced by Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast, cleared the House in a 372 to 53 vote. All lawmakers voting against the measure were Democrats, while two others voted present.
At its core, the measure reiterates the long-standing U.S. position on Iran’s role in global terrorism.
The text states that the Islamic Republic of Iran “remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and provides substantial financial and military support to groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.”
Lawmakers backing the resolution argued it simply reinforces existing U.S. policy regarding Tehran’s actions across the Middle East.
Progressive Lawmakers Among Those Opposing
Among those voting no were several high-profile progressive lawmakers commonly referred to as members of the “Squad.”
That group includes Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
Their votes placed them among dozens of Democrats who argued the resolution raised concerns about how it could be used to justify further military action.
Resolution Details Threat Claims Against Iran
The resolution outlines a series of claims about Iran’s activities, including support for proxy forces and alleged responsibility for American casualties.
According to the measure, Iran “poses a direct and persistent threat to the United States and is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American citizens.”
It also cites Pentagon data indicating that “Iranian-backed proxy militias are responsible for the deaths of at least 603 U.S. service members in Iraq — roughly one in every six American combat fatalities.”
Meanwhile, the measure references concerns about Iran’s nuclear program.
Specifically, it says, “according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafeal Grossi, Iran has amassed a large stockpile of enriched uranium and continues to block access to undeclared sites in Iran affiliated with their ‘big, ambitious nuclear weapons program.’”
The resolution ultimately concludes that “That the House of Representatives declares it is the policy of the United States… that Iran continues to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism.”
Critics Say Measure Could Justify War
Some Democrats who opposed the measure argued it contained inaccuracies and risked providing political cover for expanded military conflict.
California Democratic Rep. Lateefah Simon, who voted no, said the resolution “contains inaccuracies and is designed to justify the President’s actions in Iran.”
In a social media statement, Simon criticized congressional Republicans, writing: “Republicans in Congress are not only surrendering their constitutional duties – they are also playing politics with a resolution reaffirming Iran as a leading state sponsor of terrorism.”
She added, “That is already U.S. policy.”
Simon also stressed that she opposes Iran’s leadership but believes the resolution could be used to justify war.
“I have been clear about my opposition to the brutal and devastating actions of the Iranian regime against those protesting for freedom,” Simon continued.
“This resolution does nothing to advance their freedom and instead, puts Congress on record as giving the Administration further pretext for a war that should not have been started in the first place.”
Supporters Say Threat From Iran Is Real
Republican supporters of the measure argued the vote sends a strong signal about national security.
Rep. Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota pointed to recent intelligence briefings for lawmakers.
“This week’s bipartisan classified briefing with Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, John Ratcliffe, and General Dan Caine underscored the significance of the threat we face from an Iran intent on developing nuclear weapons behind a curtain of impenetrable ballistic weapons.”
She added that confronting Iran remains essential to protecting American interests.
“Standing with our allies and confronting state-sponsored terrorism is essential to protecting Americans and advancing stability around the world,” she said.
“This resolution sends a strong message that we will not ignore or excuse the regime’s extremist actions.”
Some Democrats Support Resolution But Oppose War
Not all Democrats opposed the measure.
Washington Democratic Rep. Adam Smith voted in favor but made clear that his support does not extend to a military conflict with Iran.
“I agree with the principal assertion of this resolution that Iran is a bad actor.”
He continued: “Iran’s malign and destabilizing actions in the region and treatment of its own citizens should be denounced. I have never contested this.”
However, Smith emphasized that recognizing Iran’s behavior does not justify war.
“What I do contest is that going to war is the reasonable response to this assertion,” he said.
“I support this resolution. I do not support the president’s war of choice with Iran.”
Full List Of Democrats Voting No
The following Democratic lawmakers voted against the resolution reaffirming Iran as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism:
Donald S. Beyer Jr.
Suzanne Bonamici
André Carson
Greg Casar
Joaquin Castro
Yvette D. Clarke
Steve Cohen
Danny K. Davis
Maxine Dexter
Lloyd Doggett
Dwight Evans
Lizzie Fletcher
Valerie Foushee
Maxwell Alejandro Frost
Robert Garcia
Jesús “Chuy” García
Al Green
Adelita Grijalva
Val Hoyle
Jared Huffman
Sara Jacobs
Pramila Jayapal
Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr.
Robin Kelly
Ro Khanna
Raja Krishnamoorthi
Summer Lee
Sarah McBride
Morgan McGarvey
James P. McGovern
LaMonica McIver
Christian D. Menefee
Robert Jacobsen “Rob” Menendez Jr.
Gwen Moore
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Ilhan Omar
Chellie Pingree
Mark Pocan
Ayanna Pressley
Delia Ramirez
Emily Randall
Luz Rivas
Linda T. Sánchez
Janice D. “Jan” Schakowsky
Lateefah Simon
Mark Takano
Rashida Tlaib
Lori Trahan
Lauren Underwood
Nydia M. Velázquez
Maxine Waters
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Nikema Williams
