WASHINGTON — As Congress returns from recess, Democrats in both the House and Senate plan to force votes regarding the U.S. military’s campaign against Iran this week, just as President Donald Trump is announcing a new naval blockade amid a two-week ceasefire.

“Upon our return, we will force another vote on the House floor around the War Powers Resolution that will compel the Trump administration to cease military hostilities immediately so we can all focus on the issues that we know matter to everyday Americans,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters last week.

The votes will come after weekend talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad yielded no agreement, and Trump on Sunday announced a naval blockade targeting Iran.

“The meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

Members of the Senate Democratic caucus also indicated they planned to force more war powers votes as soon as this week.

The focus on the congressional response to the military action comes as the Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down. The ball is currently in the House’s court after the Senate passed the most recent version of the fiscal 2026 funding bill on April 2.

Senate Republicans are laying the groundwork to provide funding for parts of DHS, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, through the budget reconciliation process, which requires only a simple majority vote to clear procedural hurdles under Senate rules.

The House, which returns to legislative business on Tuesday, is due to take up an amended version of aviation safety legislation and may also consider a reauthorization of contentious surveillance authorities.

Swalwell, Gonzales face possible expulsion

The House is also staring down the gauntlet of potential expulsion votes in the coming weeks.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., on Sunday evening suspended his campaign for governor after allegations of sexual misconduct.

“To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell said in a post on X. “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”

The San Francisco Chronicle first reported that Swalwell is accused of sexually assaulting a former staffer while the woman was not able to consent. Subsequent reports, including by CNN, have included other allegations of misconduct involving multiple women.

In addition to Swalwell, Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, may face a vote on potential removal from office, having said publicly he takes “full responsibility” for having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. Gonzales, who is not seeking reelection, denies any connection to the aide’s death.

The Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Gonzales’ conduct.

The committee also plans to meet soon to consider sanctions against Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla.

The charges against Cherfilus-McCormick include funneling misallocated FEMA funds to support her first congressional campaign. A House Ethics adjudicatory subcommittee ruled against Cherfilus-McCormick in late March, finding that 25 of 27 counts were “proven by clear and convincing evidence.”

Separate from the congressional proceedings, Cherfilus-McCormick has also been indicted on similar charges by a federal grand jury in Florida.

The fourth member facing significant allegations is Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla.

The Ethics panel has been looking into potential improper government contracting while in office, as well as alleged sexual misconduct by Mills.

Any or all of those four members could face potential expulsion in the coming weeks. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., for instance, said Saturday that he would support expelling both Gonzales and Swalwell if they do not resign. “Swalwell all but admits a per se abuse of power under House ethics rules: sex with a subordinate,” Huffman posted on X.

Jeffries, joined by Democratic Whip Katherine M. Clark of Massachusetts and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California, in a statement over the weekend called on Swalwell to drop his gubernatorial bid and added, “This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously.”

“We commend the courageous women for sharing their experiences,” the Democrats said. “In this and all circumstances, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment are heard and respected.”

Senate agenda

In the Senate, the pending business remains the Republican-backed bill to require voter ID and overhaul election administration, though there’s no sign of momentum toward its passage.

In addition to a likely Iran war powers vote, the Senate is expected to consider several of the president’s nominations, starting with John Thomas Shepherd to be a federal judge in Arkansas.

Much of the attention may be off the floor at the Budget Committee, which hears testimony Thursday from Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought. That panel, chaired by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., will be responsible for writing a budget resolution to set up the reconciliation process that’s expected to fund immigration enforcement.

After a Friday meeting with Trump, Graham said he envisions a proposal the would provide funding for both ICE and Customs and Border Protection for three years, lasting through the remainder of Trump’s presidency.

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—Aris Folley and Mary Ellen McIntire contributed to this report.

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