A House resolution reaffirming Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism passed overwhelmingly this week — but dozens of Democrats broke ranks and voted against it, creating a sharp divide on Capitol Hill.
According to Fox News, lawmakers approved the nonbinding measure Thursday in a 372–53 vote after it was introduced by Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla.
All 53 votes against the resolution came from Democrats, while two other Democrats voted present.
The resolution 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.”
Several members of the progressive group known as the “Squad” were among those voting against the measure.
Those lawmakers included Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
The text of the resolution argues that Iran “poses a direct and persistent threat to the United States and is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American citizens.” It cites Pentagon estimates stating 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.”
It also referenced nuclear concerns, stating that “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 concludes with the House declaring it is the policy of the United States “that Iran continues to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism.”
Rep. Lateefah Simon, D-Calif., who voted against the measure, criticized the resolution and its intent.
“The resolution contains inaccuracies and is designed to justify the President’s actions in Iran,” Simon wrote on Facebook.
She added that “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.”
“That is already U.S. policy,” Simon continued.
Simon also emphasized that she has condemned Iran’s government but argued the measure could contribute to further escalation.
“I have been clear about my opposition to the brutal and devastating actions of the Iranian regime against those protesting for freedom,” she said. “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 of the measure said the vote was meant to highlight what they see as an ongoing threat.
Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., said intelligence briefings for lawmakers reinforced the seriousness of the situation.
“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 said in a statement.
“Standing with our allies and confronting state-sponsored terrorism is essential to protecting Americans and advancing stability around the world,” she added. “This resolution sends a strong message that we will not ignore or excuse the regime’s extremist actions.”
Not all Democrats opposed the measure. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., voted in favor while distancing himself from the broader policy debate surrounding the conflict.
“I agree with the principal assertion of this resolution that Iran is a bad actor,” Smith said.
“Iran’s malign and destabilizing actions in the region and treatment of its own citizens should be denounced. I have never contested this,” he added.
However, Smith also stressed his opposition to military escalation.
“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.”
