New Democratic lawmakers push to end Iran conflict

Democratic lawmakers and newly elected veterans on Capitol Hill are calling for an end to the war in Iran. The group includes members who have not yet been sworn in. They stated that voters sent them to Washington to stop the conflict. The lawmakers said they owe it to their constituents to follow through on that mandate.

Rep.-elect Zach Dembo (D-Ky.) identified the war as a major factor in his victory. He won a district that President Donald Trump carried by 15 points in the 2024 election. Dembo emphasized his background as a veteran, former prosecutor, and teacher. He argued that politics should not be inserted into the Pentagon.

"When we’re trying to figure out what made the American people make decisions like that, one of the things has to be from the beginning, as a veteran, as a former prosecutor, and as a teacher, I emphasized my public service, and that politics should never be inserted into spaces like the Pentagon," Dembo said.

The group believes it is time for immediate action. They propose beginning with the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) said the administration must do better by citizens, veterans, allies, and service members. She stated that the process starts with removing Hegseth from the Pentagon.

"We need to do better by you as citizens. We need to do better by the veterans. We need to do better by our allies. By our service members. And that starts with getting Pete Hegseth out of the Pentagon," Houlahan said.

Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) outlined a strategy to end the war using War Powers Acts and by cutting off funding from the Trump administration. He described the conflict as unauthorized by both the American people and Congress. Deluzio said he is not interested in providing a blank check to the defense secretary.

"Speaking for me, I’m not interested in continuing to throw a blank check to Pete Hegseth for a war the American people never authorized. For a war that Congress never authorized," Deluzio said. He added that Congress must ensure a safe exit for troops in the area. He noted that military officers must lead the withdrawal or base protection efforts. The new Congress will be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2027.