House Defies Trump, Passes Iran War Powers Resolution

The House of Representatives passed a War Powers Act resolution on Wednesday to force President Donald Trump to end military action in Iran without congressional authorization, marking the first time the lower chamber defied the White House on the conflict. The vote was 215 to 208, with four Republicans joining Democrats in supporting the measure. Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, who had opposed three previous failed attempts, switched his position and voted yes, giving his party unanimity on the issue. Republican support came from Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett of Michigan and Warren Davidson of Ohio. The resolution was originally scheduled for a vote before the Memorial Day recess, but House GOP leaders pulled it after it became clear they could not block it. Several Republicans were absent during that attempt, and others were expected to support the measure. The conflict passed a statutory 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 on May 1, which requires the president to remove armed forces from hostilities unless Congress authorizes war. The administration has argued that a fragile ceasefire in early April stopped the clock, though both sides have continued attacks since then. The Senate advanced a similar measure in May with four Republicans joining Democrats in a procedural vote, though that effort still faces additional hurdles. Even if the resolution clears the Senate, it faces an almost certain presidential veto, as it currently lacks the two-thirds support in both chambers needed to override one. Republican Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, dismissed the vote as a stupid political measure that weakens the president during negotiations with Iran. During floor debate, Democrats questioned why Republicans had not brought an authorization for use of military force to the floor to provide Trump with legal guardrails for attacking Iran. Some Republicans have expressed concern that the wars unpopularity and economic fallout could harm the GOPs chances in the upcoming midterm elections.