House passes resolution urging Trump to end Iran conflict
The U.S. House approved a war-powers resolution directing President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, with four Republicans joining Democrats in the 214-208 vote.
The House of Representatives voted 214 to 208 on Thursday to adopt a resolution that orders President Trump to end U.S. military involvement against Iran without a specific congressional authorization. The measure, introduced by Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, calls for the removal of U.S. armed forces from any combat or occupation role involving the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Republican Representatives Tom Barrett, Brian Fitzpatrick, Warren Davidson and Thomas Massie broke with their party and supported the resolution. The vote follows recent U.S. service-member deaths in Iranian attacks and rising costs of the conflict.
"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," wrote Rep. Jayapal and Rep. Jason Crow in a letter to Democratic colleagues.
The Senate is expected to consider a related measure later Thursday. President Trump had notified Congress on July 10 that “military action” against Iran had resumed after a cease-fire was declared over. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president must inform Congress within 48 hours of hostilities, and any unauthorized combat must cease after 60 days unless Congress authorizes further action, with a possible 30-day extension.
The administration has argued that the cease-fire termination resets the 60-day clock and has questioned the constitutionality of the War Powers limits. Democrats have said they are exploring legal avenues to compel compliance and may leverage the appropriations process to withhold additional funding.
The White House has requested $67 billion in supplemental funding for the conflict and $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon’s next fiscal year budget. Earlier, House Republicans advanced a $73 billion funding package for the Iran war and $12 billion in farm aid, a proposal that faces Senate hurdles.
"This administration has never sought an authorization for use of military force from Congress, and most Republicans in this chamber continue to enable it," said Rep. Gregory Meeks, top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.