New House Leaders Plan War Powers Vote to Force Iran Conflict End
Democrats hold majorities in both chambers but lack the two-thirds support needed to override a presidential veto on the resolution.
By Nadia Rahman ·
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the New York Democrat set to become the next Speaker of the House, stated on Friday that his party will move immediately to pass a war powers resolution regarding the conflict in Iran. He characterized the military engagement as a war of choice that has driven up the cost of gas, diesel, and fertilizer, thereby increasing prices for groceries and everyday goods.
Jeffries told Morning Edition that Democrats should not wait for the new Congress to convene before acting. He noted that the party now controls both chambers of Congress, giving them the ability to advance the resolution to President Donald Trump. The President can then choose to sign the measure or issue a veto.
Overriding a presidential veto requires two-thirds majorities in both the House and the Senate. Jeffries acknowledged that Democrats currently do not hold a veto-proof majority in either chamber. If the President vetoes the bill, he will have to explain his decision to the American public. Jeffries said the American people have clearly spoken through the midterm elections.
The incoming leadership also plans to hold Trump administration officials accountable for alleged wrongdoing. Jeffries said the House Judiciary and Oversight committees will investigate these claims. Incoming Oversight Committee Chair Robert Garcia has outlined a plan that includes looking into possible crimes involving the Trump family. Jeffries said he is working closely with these committees to lead the accountability efforts.
The issue of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remains a point of contention. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has threatened to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment unless Hegseth resigns. In a video posted online, Hegseth dismissed the move as political theater and an obsession with personal destruction.
Asked directly whether he supports impeachment, Jeffries said he does not want to get out ahead of the caucus. He described Hegseth as the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history and said the official should have been fired by Trump in the spring of 2025 or resigned long ago. Jeffries added that Hegseth has got to go.
Jeffries defended the Democratic record by noting that the party battled Trump on every issue until decisively defeating him at the polls a few days ago. He said the decision on new leadership, including the selection of the next House Speaker, rests with the House Democratic Caucus. Jeffries is expected to be the first Black Speaker of the House.
The full interview was conducted by Leila Fadel. The digital version was edited by Treye Green and Jason Breslow. The interview aired on Morning Edition on Friday, November 6, 2026.
