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Compare recorded congressional votes and candidate statements in Virginia on the war in Iran.
3 of 25 tracked candidates have no quote on file yet. Candidates include sitting members running in 2026, so some people appear in both rows.
Virginia — Majority opposes the war ·
“Yes. Compelling classified intelligence of a just cause or an imminent threat would change my vote. However, with only access to public information, I would vote for a war powers resolution directing a U.S. ceasefire against Iran until Congress declares war.”
DisputeIndex.Com: If a war powers resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran came before the House, would you vote for it? Yes. Compelling classified intelligence of a just cause or an imminent threat would change my vote. However, with only access to public information, I would vote for a war powers resolution directing a U.S. ceasefire against Iran until Congress declares war. I would also vote to immediately reinforce support of our regional allies to stabilize the region, aid in rebuilding energy production and distribution networks, and pursue a negotiated resolution with Iran. No negotiation may be possible, but if one is, it could only ever come through cooperation, not coercion. (I’d vote to gain a similar declaration re: Ukraine.) Legalese aside, Presidents are empowered to use military force to address only urgent, unanticipated needs. This protects our nation while giving Congress time to deliberate. Most of Virginia’s 4th District thought that Iran’s nuclear threat was “fixed” in the summer of 2025 using military strikes from just such rapid-response authority. However, after nearly a year of undeclared war with Iran, America is well past any such urgent, unanticipated period. Many agree with me. Signaling their disagreement with America’s view and approach, few allies have supported U.S. actions against Iran. Further, Iranian allies seem utterly unconcerned with Iranian arms or the prospects of nuclear fallout. For 34 years, Israeli PM Netanyahu has claimed that Iran was nearing nuclear weapon capability, yet Congress never declared war with Iran. Even today, no one has claimed that Iran has gained a nuclear weapon. So, Congress needs to find a strong reason for the military to remain involved. Alternatively, Congress needs to correct 80 years of military delegation precedent by re-asserting its constitutional authority and regaining control of force projection. Otherwise, there is a significant risk that future presidents may misuse the military for far worse reasons. Why else do I hold my position? 1) I prioritize Virginia, then America, then America’s allies… not the reverse. I care more about our homeless who sleep near Virginia’s Capitol and the hard-working Americans struggling to pay their bills amidst inflation and soaring taxes. I care about Social Security depletion, declining educational competitiveness, inadequate veterans benefits, immigrant assimilation and deportation challenges, rural hospital access, gaps in preventative healthcare, and deteriorating infrastructure. These are just a few of the issues America must fix. For me, America’s domestic needs today will always outweigh distant "threats." 2) America appears hypocritical. America did nothing to prevent or punish nuclear proliferation in North Korea or 96% Muslim Pakistan. The lesson: get nukes, gain respect. 3) America must maintain the highest moral standing. It is immoral to initiate violence or use deadly force after violence ends (e.g. break ceasefire). It is also immoral to attack or threaten non-combatants based on suspicion or collective punishment. These rules apply to citizens, police, and nations. "Wars of prevention" are generally immoral “wars of aggression”. Taxpayers spent $Billions on “smart” munitions so that the U.S. could be “the most moral military in the world” by carefully avoiding civilian (non-combatant) harm. There is no excuse for harming or threatening civilians or civilian infrastructure. That’s terrorism, it’s wrong, and it provokes “blowback” that risks American lives, property, and global interests. Americans must take care in condemning countries that America had a hand in creating. ~73 years ago, the U.S. CIA removed Mosaddeq (Iran’s democratically elected PM) and installed the Shah. When this fell apart (Shah fled; Iranian Revolution; student “terrorism”), President Carter began sanctioning Iran, Iranians suffered, and yet now America blames Iran’s behavior. I find that disappointing. 4) Congress, not the President, is responsible for wartime inflation (not just prices of diesel and fertilizer). Food, energy, and commodity prices have been soaring for years before Iran turned kinetic. Regardless, Congress failed to analyze and mitigate Iran War impacts, just as Congress failed to perform and prepare for U.S. involvement in Ukraine before that. I am pro-defense, but most in Congress are pro-war and mostly disagree on who to bomb; they blame presidents for using our military while avoiding accountability for failing their constitutional duties. Americans should hold Congress accountable and demand better representation. Domestically, though I dislike market interventions, I’d also vote to keep America working by: a) suspending energy production/distribution federal taxes to discourage exports; b) offering life-saving 3-year low rate loans to farms and cargo/passenger transportation firms; and c) approving new domestic oil exploration (e.g. Alaska) to signal to the futures markets that petroleum product prices will come down and assure bondholders that America will soon solve its temporary energy challenges. I’d also call in the SEC to discuss how they are evaluating insider trading on the above (and similar) news, which even if not prosecuted, should be made public to name and shame such people. I’d also seek analysis on the benefits of activating the two idle diesel refineries (or others recently closed). Lastly, I’d press to rekindle trade relations with Canada. If Carney is disinterested, I’d signal support for oil-rich Alberta’s exit from Canada by encouraging direct relations with existing provincial leaders. As all elected officials are empowered by the press, I’d discuss Virginia politics as well. Since March, Virginia Republicans have pleaded for a fuel tax holiday. However, just like their unconstitutional gerrymandering effort, Democrats believe that punishing (rather than helping) Virginians is good government. WTVR CBS in Richmond found, “Democratic leadership rejected the idea… and said President Donald Trump is to blame for the prices because of the war.” (https://wtvr.com/news/local-news/virginia-gas-tax-holiday-march-27-2026) Now six months later after President Trump’s EO effectively suspended federal fuel taxes, Virginia’s Democraticallycontrolled government still hasn’t matched his effort. Instead, still today, a “Spanberger spokesman said the governor is…blaming the increase in fuel prices on President Donald Trump”. (https://www.msn.com/enus/news/other/virginia-republicans-urge-spanberger-to-call-special-session-for-fuel-tax-holiday/ar-AA2dLQB3) Even assuming Virginia Democrats were right six months ago, by their preventing relief, it’s now their fault. 5) Congress must now fulfill its review Iran and declare war if necessary (per Article I, Section 8 Constitution). It must do so with S.M.A.R.T. goals, using verifiable facts. We cannot again fall for WMDs, babiesfrom-incubators, chemical weapons, or any other banana-in-the-tailpipe charade. Further, before declaring war, Congress must prepare the nation for any fallout, not just economic, so Americans are insulated from the effects and lose none of their rights in the process (no digital ID, surveillance state, etc.). Summary: I’ll vote against any use of deadly force that I wouldn’t fight – that’s one way I’ll govern by The Golden Rule. It’s past time to make love, not war. Those who agree with me should support my campaign to end decades of endless war and refocus on Americans’ needs here at home. More information (and more coming soon) on: MurrayForCongress.Com and other channels paid for by Virginia Lovers for Robert Murray.
“It is hypocritical of Democrats to criticize the Iran war for high oil prices because Democrats legislate high oil prices to combat climate change.”
“Nothing is more disheartening to our men and women in uniform than politicians in Washington playing politics instead of supporting our fighting heroes. As an experienced warfighter, I wish Congress would unite and realize that if Iran is not defeated and denied a nuclear weapon, a nuclear war will be the result sooner or later.”
“ending the Iran war that's made gas and fertilizer prices insane”
“On the Concurrent Resolution H.Con.Res. 89: A concurrent resolution directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.”
“On the Concurrent Resolution H.Con.Res. 89: A concurrent resolution directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.”
“That means repealing billionaire tax cuts so we can restore funding for health care, ending the war in Iran to bring gas prices back down, and stopping the tariffs that have done nothing to help American producers but have done so much damage to the pocketbooks of American consumers.”
“Rob Wittman has allowed us to stumble into a directionless war that is costing American lives, billions of dollars, and driving up costs. Politicians like Rob Wittman have allowed this war to continue despite the fact that it has overextended our military and caused prices to skyrocket. We must end this war.”
“The strategy of peace through strength works.”
“I believe the war in Iran is an unauthorized, unconstitutional war of choice that Congress never voted to approve. American service members should not be sent into another open-ended conflict in the Middle East without the consent of the people's representatives, especially while American families and farmers are being asked to absorb the economic costs.”
“Iran is a threat. They want to destroy America.”
“Trump's war of distraction in Iran has sent gas prices soaring, and raised diesel and fertilizer costs for farmers. Ending the unnecessary tariffs war, negotiating a peaceful resolution in Iran, restoring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and rescinding Medicaid cuts will have an immediate impact on bringing prices down and putting more money in the pockets of families who must now choose between buying a gallon of milk or a gallon of gas.”
The House has voted six times on Iran war powers measures in the 119th Congress. Only three of those votes used identical text (H.Con.Res. 40, 86, and 93), so only those three are comparable member to member. The Senate has held two substantive votes. Roll call 184 on 2026-06-23 used the same text and passed 50-48. Roll call 244 on 2026-09-24, on H.Con.Res. 89, used different text and was rejected 49-50, so it is not counted. Because a concurrent resolution is never presented to the President, passage in both chambers did not by itself change the legal posture of the operation.
Comparable text
Roll call 114 — H.Con.Res. 40
2026-04-16 · Failed 213–214
Comparable text
Roll call 199 — H.Con.Res. 86
2026-06-03 · Passed 215–208
Comparable text
Roll call 307 — H.Con.Res. 93
2026-09-15 · Passed 220–204
H.Con.Res. 38, 75, and 89 carried nearly identical titles but materially different text, including different deadlines and rules of construction. Votes on those measures are not counted toward any member's position or used as evidence of a changed position.
A member's map position is their most recent recorded vote on the identical text. Yea, a vote to direct the removal of U.S. forces, counts as opposing the war; Nay counts as supporting its continuation. Members who voted Present, did not vote, or had not yet taken office for every comparable vote are listed as having no recorded position.
The totals and map colors count members serving now. Members who resigned or died during the series stay listed with their recorded votes, marked as former representatives, and are not counted.
Direct quotes are labeled one at a time by the position each one states, such as opposing or supporting the war, or a mixed or conditional view. A label applies to that quote alone. It does not change the speaker's vote-based map position, and candidates who have not cast a comparable vote have no map position.
The candidate totals group each 2026 candidate by their most recent quote that opposes or supports the war. Candidates whose quotes are only mixed, conditional or unclear are counted as mixed or conditional, and a candidate whose opposing and supporting quotes have switched is also counted as a position change. Candidates with no quote on file are not placed in any group.
A “position changed” marker means the member's recorded vote on the identical text switched during the series. The marker records the change; it does not assert a reason. Where a member explained the change on the floor of the House or Senate, the statement count on their entry links the debate record.
Votes on discharge and other procedural motions are not positions on the war and are not counted here. Vote records come from the Clerk of the House and the Senate; floor statements come from the Congressional Record. Each direct quote links to the original source where it appeared.
This page puts two public records side by side: how sitting members of Congress voted on Iran war powers, and what sitting senators, House members and 2026 candidates have said about the war in their own words.
Recorded votes
Map colors and vote totals come from recorded votes only. Vote positions are derived from recorded votes on the word-for-word identical war powers texts H.Con.Res. 40, 86, and 93 (House) and Senate roll call 184. A vote to direct the removal of U.S. forces counts as opposing the war; a vote against removal counts as supporting its continuation. Other Iran votes of the 119th Congress used different text and are not comparable.
Direct quotes
Each quote appears with its date, a label for the position it states, and a link to its source. A sitting member's quotes appear on that member's entry, next to their votes. Candidates' quotes appear in the state view, and every quote is also in the full list of statements below the map. A quote does not change a member's map color. The candidate totals count each candidate's most recent quote that opposes or supports the war.
The identical text behind every comparable vote
Should the House direct the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran, other than elements necessary to defend the United States or an ally or partner from imminent attack, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran?
Vote records current through Senate roll call 244 of 2026-09-24. That vote, on H.Con.Res. 89 (rejected 49-50), used different text and is not counted.
These tracker downloads are licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit The Dispute Index, link to this tracker and the license, and note any changes. The license covers the downloaded compilation and DI position labels. Case pages, other site text and linked source material have separate rights.
Votes and individual statements appear separately. Candidates with no quote on file have an empty position. The roster covers candidates recorded by DI, not every candidate in an election.
The generation time records when this data snapshot was prepared. For votes, date records the vote date and as_of records the tracker date. For statements, date records when the statement occurred and as_of records when DI first published it. These dates do not mean every source was rechecked then. Empty fields mean the information is not included in this download. Count votes and statements separately; multiple statements can belong to the same person.