US House votes to limit Iran war powers in symbolic move

The US House of Representatives voted 214-208 on Thursday to pass a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's ability to conduct military operations against Iran. The measure saw four Republicans cross party lines to support Democrats in a largely symbolic move. The vote occurred nearly a week after three American service members were killed in an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Democrats would also push for a similar War Powers vote in the Senate later on Thursday. Both chambers had previously approved a concurrent resolution in June requiring Trump to seek congressional approval before launching further attacks, but that measure was not sent to the president's desk due to its procedural nature. Even if a joint resolution were passed, Trump could veto it, and overriding a veto would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Democrats argued that the latest resolution sends a strong signal of congressional opposition to Trump's handling of the conflict, which escalated after a ceasefire collapsed in early July. The US and Iran have exchanged attacks for 12 consecutive days, and some analysts warn of further US escalation, including possible strikes on civilian infrastructure or a ground invasion.

Representative Pramila Jayapal stated on the House floor that the vote is about reasserting Congress's constitutional authority over war. Under the US Constitution, only Congress can declare war, though presidents can commit forces in self-defense. Trump has claimed that Iran's actions since 1979 constitute an imminent threat, a view rejected by many constitutional scholars.

The 1973 War Powers Act requires presidents to obtain congressional approval within 60 days of committing troops. The Trump administration argues that hostilities had terminated after a temporary pause in April, but war powers experts and some lawmakers say this violates the law.

David Janovsky of the Project On Government Oversight noted that the House vote reaffirms public opposition to an illegal war. He also pointed out that the House approved a $1.15 trillion defense bill on Tuesday that includes billions for the war effort, urging Congress to reject funding if it truly wants to end the conflict.