House Republicans narrowly blocked a Democratic effort to curb President Donald Trump’s authority to continue U.S. military operations against Iran, underscoring the party’s support for the administration as it signals the conflict could soon wind down.
The House voted 213–214 against a war powers resolution introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) that would have required Trump to end hostilities absent explicit congressional approval. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) was the only Democrat to oppose the measure, joining Republicans. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was the sole Republican to support it, while Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) voted present.
With a slim majority, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) could afford only two GOP defections in a party-line vote.
The failed resolution comes amid an ongoing push by House Democrats to force a vote asserting Congress’ constitutional authority over military engagement.
“This is not a skirmish. This is not a military operation. This is a war,” Meeks said Thursday. “Now we’re not the Iranian parliament, and we should not be rubber stamps.”
Republicans, however, argued that passing the resolution would weaken the president’s hand during an active conflict.
“This has been the most successful military operation considering the breadth, the depth, the scope of the enemy that’s involved and the danger that they presented not only to the U.S. homeland and the U.S. military personnel, but to the entire region and world,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) told Fox News Digital on Wednesday. “I believe we will be rewarded for the president’s efforts.”
Trump said earlier this week that the conflict may be nearing its end. In an interview with FOX Business on Monday, he said it is “very close to over,” citing a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Fighting is currently paused under a two-week ceasefire, and the administration has floated the possibility of another round of U.S.-Iran peace talks.
Democrats’ latest effort follows a failed attempt last week to pass a similar war powers measure by unanimous consent during a pro forma session while the House was in recess. Republicans blocked that effort by declining to recognize Democrats on the floor.
In the Senate, Republicans have also stymied similar efforts. On Wednesday, GOP lawmakers blocked a war powers resolution that would have required congressional authorization for continued military action. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to support the measure.
While such resolutions are largely symbolic—Trump would likely veto any measure that reached his desk—Democrats say they will continue forcing votes to increase pressure on Republicans.
“We’re going to have a debate and a vote every week in the United States Senate until either this war comes to an end or our Republican colleagues decide to do their constitutional duty,” Sen. Chris Murphy, (D-Conn.) told reporters.
Under the War Powers Act, Congress must act within 60 days of the start of hostilities to authorize or block continued military engagement. That deadline falls on April 28. If Congress votes to end the conflict, the administration would have 30 days to withdraw U.S. forces.
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How strange!
Korea ( during a democratic administration ) … Vietnam ( started and mostly ‘run’ under a democratic administration. But stopped under a republican administration ) … and over the years, a number of other military actions … democrat administrations.
Not a word from the left wing. And no declaration of war was given then, either! They were ‘police actions’.
Trump is stopping Iran from getting nuclear bombs and long range missiles with which to deliver them onto American soil… and now Trump is the bad guy!
‘Funny thing’, isn’t it?
It’s astounding that half our Congress is so clueless that they don’t support the wonderful things our good president is doing to make the world a safer place!
Heaven help us! From a US Naval Officer Veteran