Seven House Republicans join Democrats to pass Iran war powers resolution
A bipartisan vote in the House approved a resolution to limit the president's authority to conduct military operations against Iran, with seven Republicans breaking ranks with their party.
The House approved a resolution aimed at curbing the commander-in-chief’s war powers over Iran on Tuesday night, passing it 220-204. All 213 Democrats voted in favor, and seven Republicans joined them, while 203 Republicans and an independent who caucuses with the GOP opposed the measure. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., seeks to enforce the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which limits presidential military action to 60 days without congressional authorization, with a possible 30-day withdrawal period. Supporters argue that the time limit has already expired for the ongoing operations against Iran. The Trump administration maintains that the president is acting within constitutional authority and that the resolution would hinder the ability to protect U.S. forces and national security interests.
"The president is acting within his constitutional authority as commander in chief," the administration said in response to the resolution.
Republican lawmakers who voted for the measure have previously argued that war-declaration powers belong to Congress, not the White House.