Washington — The House voted Thursday to press President Trump to halt the war with Iran, delivering a rare bipartisan rebuke as four Republicans joined Democrats in challenging the administration’s handling of the widening conflict.
Lawmakers approved the measure 214 to 208, adopting a war powers resolution from Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington. The resolution directs the president “to remove the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, including potential ground forces in a combat role or used for occupation,” unless Congress explicitly authorizes such action.
Republican Reps. Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky broke with GOP leadership and voted with Democrats in support of the resolution.
The House vote came after several U.S. service members were killed in Iranian attacks across the region, deepening concern on Capitol Hill as the cost of the war escalates and no clear diplomatic exit appears within reach. Mr. Trump has brushed aside Republican worries about possible political consequences in the midterm elections, while most members of his party continue to support the war despite the mounting risks.
“It is absolutely crucial that we assert our Article I Constitutional powers, and — especially following the most recent hostilities in Iran — continue to show Congressional disapproval for this war,” Jayapal and Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado wrote in a letter urging Democratic colleagues to back the measure ahead of the vote.
The Senate is expected to vote later Thursday on whether to advance a separate but similar war powers measure.
Mr. Trump notified Congress on July 10 that “military action” against Iran had formally resumed after he declared a monthlong ceasefire “over.”
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires a president to inform Congress within 48 hours after introducing U.S. forces into hostilities. Soon after the U.S.-Iran war began in late February, the White House submitted such a notification, but the Trump administration later maintained that hostilities had “terminated” following an early April ceasefire agreement between the two sides.
The administration has argued that the termination of hostilities — though attacks continued on both sides — restarted the statutory 60-day clock, while also asserting that the provision of the law is unconstitutional. The War Powers Resolution limits military hostilities to 60 days unless Congress votes to authorize military force, with an extra 30-day grace period if the president determines more time is necessary to safely withdraw U.S. forces.
Both the House and Senate passed a resolution last month seeking to limit Mr. Trump’s ability to carry out further military action against Iran without congressional authorization. Democrats have said they’re considering their legal options to force Mr. Trump to comply. They also plan to use any leverage they have over the appropriations process to deny additional funding for the conflict.
The administration requested $67 billion in supplemental funding to help cover the cost of the conflict and replenish crucial military supplies. It’s also seeking $1.5 trillion to fund the Pentagon in the next fiscal year.
On Wednesday, House Republicans advanced their plan to provide up to $73 billion in funding for the Iran war and up to $12 billion in aid to farmers to help offset the economic damages of the conflict. Two Republicans and one independent who caucuses with Republicans voted in opposition. The proposal, which is just the first step in the party-line reconciliation process that allows Republicans to overcome Democratic opposition, faces major obstacles in the Senate.
“This administration has never sought an authorization for use of military force from Congress, and most Republicans in this chamber continue to enable it,” Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Wednesday.
Jaala Brown
contributed to this report.
