House approves measure directing Trump to end US military action against Iran
The House of Representatives, for the first time on Wednesday, approved a war powers resolution that would direct President Donald Trump to halt the U.S. military action against Iran. Four Republicans joined the Democrat-led effort to potentially put an end to the three-month-long war that has hit the domestic and global economy hard. While the resolution was passed, the next steps are uncertain as it still needs approval from the Republican-controlled Senate, and could ultimately be vetoed by Trump.
The 215-208 House vote marked the first successful attempt by the Democrats to rein in the President's ability after four tries. The Senate advanced a similar resolution in May, which is yet to reach a full floor vote, after seven previous failed attempts, according to the BBC. The House resolution still needs approval from the Republican-controlled US Senate, and even if it is passed, Trump would likely veto any measure from Congress to limit his commander-in-chief authority, unless the measure gets a two-thirds majority, which is highly unlikely. At the same vote, lawmakers also passed a motion that would unlock a vote on sending aid to Ukraine.
House Speaker Mike Johnson tried to prevent an outcome by fiercely defending the war. "Remember, Iran declared war on us 47 years ago. They chant 'death to America.' The President is trying to keep the people safe," Johnson told reporters, as per NPR. He further insisted that the president is "laser focused" on the domestic front as well, with the mid-term elections approaching that will determine control of Congress.
However, displeasure has grown with the conflict as it dragged on into its fourth month, with Trump struggling to negotiate a peace deal. Four of the Republican Party's members broke ranks in the vote, including Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson. On the other hand, Democrat Jared Golden of Maine, who had previously voted against such measures, gave his support this time. "Congress alone declares war, that's something certainly we need to be protective of," Barrett, a Republican from Michigan, told reporters, as per BBC. When asked if he was worried about retribution, Barrett added: "I vote my conscience for what I think is right and am willing to accept that."
Meanwhile, Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who led the effort, said, "Enough is enough. It is time for the President to do the right thing." He added, "The people are tired of suffering because of his war of choice. Suffering at the gas pump, suffering at the supermarkets." While a ceasefire was agreed in April, things remain uncertain as Washington and Tehran keep going back and forth in the negotiations for an extended, more permanent peace deal. Tensions have continued to flare with the U.S. military and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps exchanging restrained but significant strikes near the critical oil shipping lane, the Strait of Hormuz.
