Congressional leaders are urging absentee lawmakers to return to Washington after a war powers resolution targeting Iranian hostilities fell short Thursday in a 212-212 tie with six seats remaining uncast.
The measure would have required President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. military forces from active conflict with Iran without congressional approval.
It failed when three Republicans — Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Tom Barrett of Michigan — joined 209 Democrats in favor. One Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, voted against the measure.
Of the six members who abstained from voting, four were Republicans and two were Democrats.
The tie has intensified concerns among leaders in both parties as the chamber’s partisan balance grows increasingly fragile. Republicans hold 217 seats to Democrats’ 212, with one independent caucusing with the GOP and five vacancies remaining — leaving minimal margin for contentious legislation.
A senior House Democrat stated: “People cannot miss votes.”
Two lawmakers have faced prolonged absences that have drawn significant scrutiny. Both missed Thursday’s vote.
Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., has not cast a ballot since March 5, missing dozens of roll calls while his office cited an unspecified “personal health matter” and provided no timeline for return.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said: “Kean has a medical issue, and that’s all I know about it, and that’s all I can say about it,” adding the House needs him back soon.
Kean canceled a scheduled May 28 appearance and his chief of staff confirmed there are “no cameras where Tom is.”
Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., last voted on April 17. Her absence became public Thursday following reports she is recovering from major eye surgery.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., urged her by phone to return, stating: “You’ve got to come. The numbers are too small.”
Wilson confirmed she plans to resume service next Wednesday.
Neither has signaled intentions to drop their reelection campaigns. Wilson told Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones that she intends to seek another term, dispelling retirement rumors.
Kean remains the sole Republican on his primary ballot in New Jersey’s 7th District, a seat Democrats have targeted, and his campaign sent fundraising emails as recently as Thursday morning.
