The US House of Representatives delivered a stunning rebuke to Donald Trump over his war on Iran on Wednesday, as representatives backed a move to force him to seek approval from Congress or withdraw US forces. The House voted 215 to 208 in favor of the war powers resolution, with four Republicans voting alongside Democrats.
The dissident Republicans were Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Tom Barrett of Michigan. Wednesday’s vote came nearly two weeks after House Republicans cancelled an earlier scheduled vote, claiming they lacked the votes to defeat it.
The vote sends the resolution to the Senate, where a handful of Republican defectors joined Democrats last month to advance a similar measure. “Following repeated attempts to get sycophants in the Republican-controlled House to join us, House Democrats successfully passed our war powers resolution today,” the top three House Democrats said in a joint statement. “It is now time for Senate Republicans to do the right thing.”
This was the fourth time the House voted on a resolution to rein in Trump’s power to continue the conflict, which has now been running for more than 90 days. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires a president to seek congressional approval after 90 days of hostilities. The White House has rejected this argument, citing a temporary ceasefire since 8 April, though it has been broken several times.
The vote’s impact is largely symbolic, as it is unclear whether the House version carries the force of law. However, it marked a striking demonstration of willingness among some Republicans to defy Trump, who has maintained a tight grip on the party. The vote comes amid low public support for the war and fears among Republicans that rising fuel costs could hurt them in November’s midterm elections.
