The Florida Democrat says her party will work to end what she calls an illegal war once lawmakers return, as spending deadlines and an impeachment push approach.
Tamrah News Desk | November 7, 2026
The Wasserman Schultz Iran war pledge has put a spotlight on the new Congress after Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Democrats will work to stop the illegal war in Iran when the new Congress begins its term in January. Democrats won both chambers in Tuesday’s midterm elections, according to Al Jazeera, which reported that the party reached 54 Senate seats and that the Associated Press called the House for Democrats. Iran International reported that members take office on January 3, 2027. Readers can follow more of our US midterm elections coverage.
Wasserman Schultz Iran War Remarks in Context
Wasserman Schultz won a 12th term in Florida’s 20th District, The Times of Israel reported, citing the Associated Press. In an interview carried by Yahoo Finance last month, she said the country is
“mired in an illegal war in Iran”
and predicted Hakeem Jeffries would become speaker. Her position has a history. Jewish Insider reported in March that she is a longtime Iran hawk who voted for a war powers resolution while saying she might have backed force had Donald Trump asked Congress first. Her House office said she voted yes because Trump never sought authorization.
Why Democrats Say Voters Gave Them a Mandate
NBC News exit polls showed 63 percent of voters said launching the war was the wrong decision, and 74 percent called it a crucial or major factor, Common Dreams reported. Vice President JD Vance wrote,
“The reason we lost is the war”
the Associated Press reported. The AP also said Trump acknowledged the Iran war affected the midterm elections, praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and said he is not considering a replacement. Al Jazeera reported that the conflict began in February and that Iran has restricted commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon says the war has cost more than $47 billion, Common Dreams reported. CNBC said House Democrats also plan bills on health subsidies, Medicaid and tariffs.
Will Democrats Be Able to End the Iran War?
Not immediately. Despite the midterm elections result, Al Jazeera reported that Democrats do not control the Senate until the new Congress opens on January 3, and that Trump told a podcast he would veto everything. Overriding a veto needs two thirds of both chambers, so Democrats would need Republican votes.
Spending is the main tool. Foreign Policy reported that Democrats will control the appropriations committees that draft military spending bills, which gives them leverage over war funding. Rep. Adam Smith, expected to chair the House Armed Services Committee, said ending the war would be “one of the first things we do,” according to Common Dreams, which cited The New Republic. Smith expects a Democratic majority to pursue a bill that forbids further war funding, and he anticipates a veto. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute told Al Jazeera that if Democrats do nothing,
“It will no longer be just Trump’s war.”
December 11 Funding Deadline and the Pete Hegseth Impeachment Vote
A fight over war funding could come sooner. Government funding runs out on December 11, Common Dreams reported. Politico reported that some Democrats want any year end spending measure to block war funding, though a standoff raises the risk of a shutdown. Rep. Rosa DeLauro told Politico that Democrats will not fund the war.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, plans to force a House vote next week on impeaching Pete Hegseth, Al Jazeera reported. Massie accuses Hegseth of ignoring war powers resolutions, among other charges. Democrats hold 214 House seats until January and would need a few Republicans to reach 218. Removal would need two thirds of the Senate, meaning at least 11 Republicans, Al Jazeera said. AFP reported that Democrats also plan to investigate Pete Hegseth.
Escalation Fears and Diplomacy Before January
Axios reported a flurry of diplomatic activity since the midterm elections, Common Dreams said. Iranian negotiators have discussed with regional mediators a possible deal to lift the US naval blockade and release some frozen funds in return for nuclear talks and an end to Iranian restrictions on Strait of Hormuz traffic. The same report said US Central Command was finalizing preparations to restart major combat, though Washington has issued no official directive. On Thursday, Trump told reporters he would rather not destroy the rest of Iran but might have to, Common Dreams said. Parsi warned that Trump could escalate during the two months before Democrats take power. Follow our Iran war updates and Congress news for developments.
Conclusion
The Wasserman Schultz Iran war pledge reflects a wider push by Democrats to end the Iran war once the new Congress begins in January 2027. Searches for Democrats end Iran war plans, Iran war funding, new Congress January 2027 priorities, a war powers resolution on Iran and the Pete Hegseth impeachment vote all point to the same near term tests, namely the December 11 spending deadline and next week’s House vote.
