House passes nonbinding resolution to end Iran war, Senate rejects similar measure
The House approved a Democratic-led, nonbinding resolution urging President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran, while the Senate voted down a binding joint resolution on the same issue.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 214-208 on Thursday to adopt a nonbinding resolution directing President Donald Trump to remove American armed forces from hostilities in Iran. Four Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the measure.
In the Senate, a separate joint resolution that would have carried the force of law was defeated 47-49. The vote was largely along party lines, with only Sen. Susan Collins joining Democrats; four Republican senators did not vote.
Democrats said the votes were intended to pressure Republicans to record their stance on the conflict ahead of the midterm elections and to reaffirm Congress’s constitutional role in war-making. Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told NBC News that the House vote reflects public opposition and that Congress could use its budget authority to influence the administration.
Sen. Thom Tillis noted that the 60-day deadline for congressional approval of the war began in July, not earlier, and warned that the clock was ticking. He said Congress would need to consider authorizing further action after that period.
Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan, who represents a swing district, voted against the resolution, citing concerns about fuel and fertilizer prices and emphasizing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The House had passed a similar nonbinding war-powers resolution in early June, and the Senate later approved that version. The latest Senate proposal, led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, failed to advance.