House Votes to Block Trump's Iran War in Rare Rebuke
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution on Wednesday to limit President Trump's military operations in Iran, marking the first time such a measure has cleared either chamber since the conflict began in February. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the 215-208 vote, signaling waning GOP support for the unpopular war.
Historic Congressional Rebuke
The House passed a resolution Wednesday to block President Donald Trump from ordering further strikes on Iran, ratcheting up pressure on the administration to find a way to end the unpopular war. The 215-208 vote marked the first time such a measure has cleared the House or the Senate on a final vote since the start of the conflict more than three months ago.
Breaking GOP Unity
Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett of Michigan and Warren Davidson of Ohio voted with Democrats in favor of the measure. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., told reporters after the vote he chose to support the resolution because, "we have to follow the law," referring to the War Powers Act. "We're past the 60 days, so you have two choices. You either follow the law or you change the law. You can't violate the law. That's not an option," Fitzpatrick said. Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, who has voted against the three previous failed attempts, also dropped his opposition and voted for the measure, giving his party unanimity on the issue.
War Powers Act and Timing
Support for the war from some Republicans waned after the conflict passed a statutory 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which says the president must remove armed forces from hostilities if Congress has not authorized the war. The war passed the deadline on May 1, but the administration has argued that a fragile ceasefire stopped the clock in early April, though both sides have carried out attacks since then. The resolution is unlikely to become law, but it represents a stark rebuke against Trump's decision to join Israel in attacking Iran on February 28, launching an ongoing conflict that will reach its 100th day on Saturday.
Senate and Next Steps
Democrats, despite multiple attempts, have been unable to pass a war powers resolution through the Republican-led Senate. Even if the measure passed in Congress, it would almost certainly be vetoed by President Trump, whose administration has questioned the constitutionality of the War Powers Act. Some fear the war's unpopularity and the economic fallout could harm the GOP's chances at keeping control of Congress after the midterm elections in November.