An attempt by House Democrats to pass a long-shot resolution on Thursday curtailing Donald Trump’s war powers over Iran failed after the Republican pro forma speaker, Chris Smith, did not recognize lawmakers from the opposite party on the floor.

The vote, scheduled for Thursday morning, used a procedure called unanimous consent, which is a shortcut that allows legislation to pass the chamber instantly, without debate or a formal tally, so long as not a single member objects. Any one lawmaker can kill the resolution by simply objecting, and Republicans were expected to do exactly that.

Glenn Ivey, a Democratic representative from Maryland, attempted to be recognized on the floor, but Smith ended the session immediately. There were a handful of other Democrats in attendance who objected loudly.