Washington passed a measure on Wednesday forcing President Trump to end the war with Iran without congressional authorization. The House voted 215 to 208 in favor of the war powers resolution, marking the first time the lower chamber has defied the White House on the conflict.
Four Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the measure, giving their party unanimity on the issue. Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett of Michigan and Warren Davidson of Ohio voted with Democrats.
Democrats erupted in applause after passage. The vote was supposed to take place before lawmakers left for the Memorial Day recess but was moved up when it became clear House GOP leaders did not have the numbers to block it.
The Senate advanced a similar measure in May, which passed with four Republican votes joining all but one Democrat. Three Republican absences also helped deliver the breakthrough after seven previous unsuccessful votes.
It’s unclear when Republicans will vote on the House version. Even if both chambers approve the resolution, it faces an all-but-certain presidential veto as it lacks the two-thirds support needed to override a veto.
Support for the war from some Republicans waned after the conflict passed a statutory 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. The administration has argued that a fragile ceasefire stopped the clock in early April, though both sides have carried out attacks since then.
Republicans who have voted in favor of limiting Trump’s military powers in Iran are uncomfortable with the lack of congressional authorization on the war and fear the war’s unpopularity could harm the GOP’s chances at keeping control of Congress after the midterm elections in November.
GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa, who is running for Senate, said in a private exchange that the war could be a “political liability” if it continues beyond the next couple of weeks.
But Trump said last month he was in “no hurry” to make a deal with Iran ahead of the midterms.
The resolution approved Wednesday was introduced in April by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It directs the president to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of military force.
Republican House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast called it a “stupid political vote” that weakens Trump’s hands as he negotiates with Iran.
During floor debate on the measure, Democrats questioned why Republicans haven’t held a vote on an authorization for military force to provide Trump with legal guardrails for attacking Iran.