Call for congressional authorization and war powers vote
Chris PappasU.S. Representative, New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District; Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, New Hampshire
Pappas said President Trump should have consulted Congress before launching strikes on Iran, demanded answers on the war's scope and objectives, and said he would back a War Powers Act resolution to define military objectives.
“What is the scope of this? What are the goals? What are the strategic objectives of this war? We've got to ensure first and foremost that we are looking out for our nation's security, and protecting our troops.”
Reporting
Where this statement fits
Do they support the war in Iran?
An issue tracker recording where members of Congress and 2026 congressional candidates stand on continued U.S. military operations against Iran, based on their votes, campaign statements, and public remarks.
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
NHPR report on New Hampshire U.S. Senate candidates' reactions to the U.S. strikes on Iran, quoting Chris Pappas criticizing President Trump for not consulting Congress and backing a War Powers Act resolution.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The United States struck Iran over the weekend of February 28-March 1, 2026. Pappas, running to succeed retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, spoke to NHPR on March 2 ahead of a classified congressional briefing on the operation.
After the quotation
Pappas later voted for the House war powers resolution, saying he voted 'to reassert Congress's authority to prevent another forever war without a clear endgame.' A March Saint Anselm poll found 59% of New Hampshire voters opposed the military action, with Pappas leading his potential Republican challengers.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Opposes the war as launched without congressional consultation and backs a War Powers Act resolution; Pappas subsequently voted for the war powers resolution to reassert Congress's authority and 'prevent another forever war.'
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More from this case
Read the full caseRudy Recile's campaign says he would vote for the Iran war powers resolution
“Yes, and I would urge the Armed Services Committee to work with the Executive Branch to try and resolve this conflict to bring our troops home to their families.”Read statement
Jonny Larsen says he would vote for the Iran war powers resolution
“Yes I would vote for the resolution and ensure our troops come home asap. I have said so publicly since the illegal war began.”Read statement
Victor Arias says he would vote for the Iran war powers resolution
“I would you vote for a war powers resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran, if it came before the House. One of the reasons why I would vote this way is because there was no plan to enter this war and there is no plan to exit the war.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Call for congressional authorization and war powers vote". First published: 2026-09-24. Last updated: 2026-09-24. https://disputeindex.com/events/1569-pappas-said-president-trump-should-have-consulted-congress