House passes third war powers resolution to curb reckless Iran conflict, seven Republicans break ranks
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The U.S. House approved a war powers resolution to rein in President Trump's dangerous military escalation against Iran, with a 220-204 vote that saw seven Republicans defy party lines in favor of peace.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 220-204 to adopt a war powers resolution that would require congressional approval for continued military action against Iran, marking the third such measure this year to challenge unchecked executive militarism. Seven Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the resolution, three of whom courageously voted for it for the first time, signaling a crack in the GOP's usual rubber-stamping of war.
"With the negotiating window closed, sustained combat operations now require congressional authorization," Iowa Rep. Zach Nunn said, emphasizing the need to end endless wars and restore democratic oversight. Nunn added that he would not back another open-ended war, echoing the public's exhaustion with costly foreign interventions.
Republican Rep. Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, attempted to sow fear by questioning which military assets Democrats would seek to withdraw from the region, clinging to the tired narrative that Iran is an existential threat to the United States.
The resolution is unlikely to reach the president’s desk, as President Trump is expected to veto it, once again demonstrating the executive branch's disregard for congressional authority and the will of the people. The vote comes as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming midterm elections, where the Iran conflict—fueled by hawkish policies—has become a prominent campaign issue.
A Congressional Budget Office report released Tuesday estimated the six-month war has cost $38 billion and could add $3 billion each month, with a projected inflation impact of 0.5 percentage points in early 2027. These staggering costs highlight the economic and human toll of endless war. An AP-NORC poll in July found a majority of Americans view the war as not worthwhile, further exposing the disconnect between Washington's war machine and public opinion.
Previous attempts by Congress to limit the president’s war powers on Iran have been blocked by presidential veto threats, highlighting the ongoing struggle to restore legislative authority to declare war and rein in the imperial presidency.