Iran06 March, 20262 min read
53 House Democrats Vote Against Reaffirming Iran As Largest State Sponsor Of Terrorism
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Fifty-three House Democrats voted against a nonbinding resolution reaffirming Iran's status as largest state sponsor House passed the resolution 372–53 after Rep. Brian Mast introduced it
House vote tally discrepancy
The House of Representatives passed a nonbinding resolution reaffirming that Iran is the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. Just The News reported the measure (House Resolution 1099) passed the House 373-53 on Thursday. Fox News and Mediaite reported the final tally as 372-53.
“House Resolution 1099 — sponsored by Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) and reaffirming that Iran is the ‘largest state sponsor of terrorism’ — passed the House 373–53 on Thursday.”
Jewish Insider wrote it passed 372-53 with two present. These differing published vote totals create a discrepancy among accounts of the exact vote count.
Resolution on Iran designation
The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Brian Mast (R‑Fla.).
It reiterated long‑standing U.S. policy that Iran "remains the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism," citing Tehran’s support for groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.
Several outlets noted the designation is the same one the U.S. State Department has applied to Iran since 1984.
Mediaite and Fox News highlighted the language naming Iran’s support for militant groups.
PJ Media stressed the historical U.S. designation dating to 1984.
Democrats' no votes
All 53 "no" votes came from Democrats. The dissent included high‑profile progressives as well as some moderates. Outlets named members of the progressive 'Squad' — Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Pramila Jayapal — among those opposed.
“Those voting against included members of the progressive ‘Squad,’ such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley.”
One source provided a long list of Democratic lawmakers who voted against the resolution. Jewish Insider emphasized that opponents ranged from progressive critics of Israel to moderates facing tough primaries. Fox News and the hannity snippet both highlighted the presence of Squad members on the no‑vote list.
Objections to Iran resolution
Lawmakers who voted against the resolution told Jewish Insider and other outlets they opposed it not because they dispute Iran’s support for militant groups. They said they feared the language could provide President Donald Trump rhetorical or legal cover for expanded military action. Jewish Insider cited concerns that clauses alleging Iran harbors senior al‑Qaeda leaders could be linked to the 2001 AUMF.
The outlet also said phrasing Iran as a "direct and persistent threat" could be invoked under Article II self‑defense. Several Democrats described the measure as political theater or a stunt to justify the president’s actions.
Reactions to congressional vote
Reactions framed the vote in starkly partisan terms. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attacked the Democrats who opposed the measure, calling them 'debilitated in their derangement' and saying they had 'lost their minds'. Conservative outlets and commentators emphasized the large bipartisan margin and criticized the Democratic dissent.
“White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the 53 House Democrats who voted against a resolution reaffirming Iran as ‘the largest state sponsor of terrorism,’ calling them ‘debilitated in their derangement’ and saying they had ‘lost their minds.’”
MediaiteSome Democrats and critics described the vote as political theater over a policy already reflected in U.S. designations. Just The News and PJ Media reported the passage amid the 'ongoing war with Iran' and reiterated the longstanding U.S. designation. Jewish Insider reported Democrats' concerns about legal cover for further military action.
