The US House of Representatives has approved a Democratic-led war powers resolution criticising President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran, with four Republican lawmakers joining Democrats in a narrow 214-208 vote.
Although the measure is largely symbolic and does not require the president’s signature, it marks the second time the House has voted to oppose the administration’s approach to the war. A similar vote is expected in the Senate, following earlier congressional efforts in June to end US involvement in the conflict.
Democrats said the resolution is intended to increase pressure on the White House and force Republicans to publicly declare their position on the increasingly unpopular war, which has entered its fifth month. The latest escalation has included the deaths of four US military personnel in the Middle East, while renewed peace efforts have failed.
The Trump administration maintains that a temporary ceasefire earlier this year effectively reset the timeline under the War Powers Resolution, allowing continued military action without new congressional authorisation. Critics dispute that interpretation, arguing the US remained engaged in hostilities throughout the ceasefire, including through a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Despite the House vote, Trump is expected to ignore the resolution and would almost certainly veto any binding legislation limiting his authority over military operations.
via Politico
