The US House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to approve a Democratic-led resolution seeking to limit US President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran without congressional approval.
The measure passed 215-208, with four Republicans voting alongside Democrats.
House shifts on Iran war powers
The vote marked a significant shift in the House, which had previously blocked several war powers resolutions aimed at restricting the administration’s authority over the conflict.
Earlier efforts failed by narrow margins, including a 212-212 tie vote last month. Republican leaders also pulled a planned vote on a similar measure in May after it appeared likely to pass because of expected Republican defections and member absences.
Supporters of the resolution have argued that Congress, not the president, holds the constitutional authority to declare war and should play a greater role in decisions involving prolonged military action.
Senate advanced similar measure
Wednesday’s vote follows action in the Senate, where lawmakers last month advanced a similar war powers resolution in a procedural vote.
The measure cleared that hurdle with support from four Republican senators, reflecting growing concern among some lawmakers over the direction and duration of the conflict.
While the House vote represents a setback for the administration, the resolution’s future remains uncertain. The Senate would still need to pass corresponding legislation, and any final measure would likely face opposition from the White House.
Vote comes amid Iran negotiations
The House action comes as the Trump administration continues to pursue negotiations with Iran.
Speaking at the White House earlier on Wednesday, Trump said talks with Tehran were “going well” and suggested a deal could potentially be reached by the weekend.
The president also said the United States would seek control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of any agreement and reiterated that Washington retained military options if diplomacy failed.
The administration has maintained that negotiations remain the preferred path forward while continuing military operations connected to the conflict.
Concerns grow on Capitol Hill
The vote reflects broader unease on Capitol Hill over the war’s trajectory, even among some Republicans who have generally supported Trump’s foreign policy.
Lawmakers backing the resolution have said Congress should have a greater role in determining the scope and duration of military involvement, while opponents argue that restricting the president’s authority could undermine national security and weaken the US position in negotiations.
The House vote is the latest sign that debate over the conflict is increasingly extending beyond party lines as lawmakers weigh the costs, risks, and long-term objectives of the war.
Source:
www.jpost.com
