The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution Tuesday aimed at reining in President Donald Trump’s war powers in Iran. The measure passed with support from seven Republican lawmakers who joined all Democrats, dealing a blow to the administration.
The vote ended 220 to 204. Supporters of the resolution argue it returns war-making authority to Congress rather than leaving it in the hands of the White House. They point out that the 1973 War Powers Resolution allows the president to deploy forces for 60 days without congressional approval—a period they say has already expired.
The Trump administration maintains the president is acting within his constitutional authority as commander-in-chief and is defending continued military operations against Iran. According to the administration, the resolution would inappropriately limit the president’s ability to protect our forces and U.S. security interests.
The war in Iran has become a burning political issue heading into the midterm election season, dividing Republicans. Democrats are seizing on it to accuse Trump of entering an “endless war.” The Senate passed a similar resolution in June, also with Republican defections. Trump has made clear he opposes such legislation and will likely veto it if it reaches his desk.