The vote, scheduled for Thursday morning, utilized a procedure called unanimous consent, a streamlined process that allows a bill to be passed immediately without debate or a formal vote, provided no member objects.
Any representative can block the resolution with a simple objection, and Republicans were expected to do just that.
Glenn Ivey, a Democratic representative from Maryland, attempted to speak, but Smith promptly adjourned the session. Several other Democrats were present and voiced loud opposition.
Republicans were anticipated to block this move, but its submission signals concern on Capitol Hill over the Middle East conflict, which is currently at a stalemate with no clear end goal.
The temporary ceasefire announced on Tuesday is already showing serious cracks. Israel has continued attacks on Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah, while Iran insists it is covered by the truce, which the U.S. and Israel reject. Lebanese authorities report that at least 254 people have been killed and 837 injured in the latest wave, with buildings in central Beirut completely destroyed.
According to Fars News Agency, Iran has once again halted oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, just hours after the first ships resumed passage. The official text of the ceasefire has not been released, and JD Vance called it "fragile." The UN Secretary-General warned that continued Israeli military activities in Lebanon "pose a serious risk" to the agreement.
In this context, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continued his initiative. In a letter to colleagues on Wednesday, he expressed serious doubts about the ceasefire.
"A two-week ceasefire is utterly insufficient. Therefore, we have demanded that the House of Representatives immediately reconvene to vote on our resolution for a permanent end to the war in the Middle East," Jeffries said.
The House is currently on a two-week recess and will not return for formal voting before April 14.
Republican support for crossing party lines on this resolution remains elusive. Representative Nancy Mace, who last month considered supporting the Democrats, is now seen as unlikely to change her stance, according to assessments from members of both parties.
Representative Don Bacon, a Republican and retired brigadier general who previously supported restricting Trump's policy toward Venezuela, told Politico that he would "listen to the arguments," but added: "I want us to defeat Iran. They have been killing Americans for 47 years."
Meanwhile, Democrat Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, stated on Wednesday that the Senate will vote on a war powers resolution related to Iran when they return to Washington next week.