House votes to curb Trump's Iran war powers again
Four Republicans joined Democrats as the House approved a measure directing Trump to end U.S. military hostilities against Iran.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
3 min read
The House voted Thursday to rein in President Trump’s Iran war powers, handing the White House another public rebuke as the conflict grows costlier and deadlier for U.S. forces.
Lawmakers approved the war powers measure, introduced by Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, in a 214-208 vote. CBS News reported that four Republicans crossed party lines to support it with Democrats.
The Republicans voting yes were Reps. Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, according to the vote reported by CBS News.
What the measure says
The resolution would direct Trump to pull U.S. armed forces out of hostilities against Iran, including operations against Iran’s government or military, unless Congress gives clear authorization.
The text also refers to potential ground forces used in combat or occupation roles. The resolution is built around Congress’ authority over war powers, a point Democrats pressed before the vote.
In a letter to Democratic colleagues, Jayapal and Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado wrote that it was “absolutely crucial” for Congress to assert its Article I constitutional powers and show disapproval of the war after recent hostilities in Iran.
The vote came after several U.S. service members were killed in Iranian attacks in the region, CBS News reported. The outlet also reported that Trump has brushed off Republican worries about possible political fallout in the midterm elections, while most Republicans continue to support the war.
Senate fight coming
The Senate was expected to vote later Thursday on whether to advance a separate but similar measure.
Trump notified Congress on July 10 that “military action” against Iran had formally resumed after he said a monthlong ceasefire was over, according to CBS News. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a president must notify Congress within 48 hours after military hostilities begin.
The White House had previously notified Congress soon after the U.S.-Iran war began in late February. The Trump administration later said hostilities had ended after the sides signed a ceasefire in early April, CBS News reported.
The administration has argued that the end of hostilities restarted the law’s 60-day clock, even though attacks continued on both sides, according to CBS News. It has also argued that the relevant part of the War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional.
The 1973 law generally limits military hostilities to 60 days without congressional authorization, with an additional 30-day period allowed if the president says more time is needed to withdraw U.S. forces safely.
Money fight adds pressure
The House and Senate passed a resolution last month seeking to restrict Trump from launching more military action against Iran without congressional approval, CBS News reported. Democrats have said they are weighing legal options to force compliance and may use the appropriations process to block more funding for the conflict.
The administration has asked for $67 billion in supplemental funding to cover conflict costs and restock military supplies. It is also seeking $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon in the next fiscal year.
On Wednesday, House Republicans advanced a plan that would provide up to $73 billion for the Iran war and up to $12 billion in farm aid meant to offset economic damage from the conflict, CBS News reported. Two Republicans and one independent who caucuses with Republicans opposed it.
Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Wednesday that the administration “has never sought an authorization for use of military force from Congress,” and accused most House Republicans of continuing to enable it.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.