New Democrats push to cut funding for Iran conflict before January swearing-in
A group of newly elected and incoming lawmakers is urging Congress to impeach the defense secretary and halt military spending in the region.
By Lauren Foster ·
Voters in several districts have sent Democratic candidates to Washington with a specific mandate: end the war in Iran. These incoming members and current representatives are now organizing to act on that promise before the new Congress takes office.
The coalition argues that the military campaign was not authorized by the American public or the legislative branch. They contend that their mandate to stop the conflict is a primary reason they won their seats. This stance places the upcoming session in direct tension with the executive branch's current strategy.
Rep.-elect Zach Dembo of Kentucky cited the war as a deciding factor in his victory. He defeated the incumbent in a district that President Donald Trump carried by 15 points in 2024. Dembo stated that his background as a veteran, former prosecutor, and teacher allowed him to emphasize that politics should not influence operations at the Pentagon.
The group is calling for the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the first step toward withdrawal. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania said the move is necessary to better serve citizens, veterans, and U.S. allies. She stated that the process starts with removing Hegseth from the Department of Defense.
Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania outlined a two-part strategy to end the war: invoking the War Powers Acts and cutting off funding from the administration. He described the current funding approach as a blank check for a war that Congress never approved.
Deluzio also addressed the safety of troops currently deployed in the region. He noted that commanders will continue to protect their forces regardless of the withdrawal order, whether at a base or during a retreat. He emphasized that military officers must lead the process of a safe exit.
The new members of Congress will be formally sworn in on January 3, 2027. Until then, the current members of the House are working to build the legislative framework for the conflict's end.
