House Republicans pulled a vote on an Iran war powers resolution in the united states congress after GOP leaders appeared to lack enough support to defeat the Democratic-led measure. The House delayed consideration until next month, leaving the fight over President Donald Trump’s use of military force in Iran in place for now.
Trump Strikes and Congress
Trump initiated military strikes against Iran on February 28 without seeking congressional authorization, then informed Congress on March 2. The 1973 War Powers Resolution gives Congress a tool to direct the president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities not authorized by lawmakers, requires notice within 48 hours of introducing forces into hostilities, and limits unauthorized military action to 60 days, plus a 30-day withdrawal period.
Republican Votes in May
The dispute has already split some Republicans. In May, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky backed a Democratic-led measure, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana voted alongside Democrats to force the Iran War Powers debate. Cassidy’s support helped the resolution reach a majority.
House Republicans nonetheless postponed the vote last week, even as Democrats kept pressing war powers resolutions that have failed to clear both chambers of Congress. Republicans hold majorities in the House and Senate, which made the vote count inside the House the decisive obstacle this time.
White House War Powers
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said, "Every administration has held that parts of the War Powers Resolution are unconstitutional since the law’s enactment in 1973". She also said, "President Trump will continue to protect our national security using his constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief while being transparent with Congress."
The House is set to revisit the resolution next month, while a ceasefire remains in place amid talks and the U.S. has struck targets in Iran this week. That leaves the next round of House action as the immediate test of whether opponents can marshal enough votes to force a decision on presidential war powers.
