Key facts
- The U.S. House of Representatives voted to curb President Trump's war powers concerning Iran.
- The resolution requires congressional authorization for any future military action against Iran.
- The vote passed 215 in favor and 208 against.
- Four Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the resolution.
- The measure is largely symbolic due to an expected presidential veto.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 215-208 to curb President Donald Trump's war powers concerning Iran, requiring congressional authorization for military action. Four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure, which aims to halt U.S. military campaigns against Iran absent such authorization. Representatives Thomas Massie, Warren Davison, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Tom Barrett were the Republicans who voted in favor. House Speaker Mike Johnson had attempted to prevent the vote, but opposition to the war grew. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated the war has cost American taxpayers over $100 billion. This marks the fourth attempt by the House to curb the war powers, with vote tallies increasing as unease with the conflict grows. Trump administration officials argue the 1973 War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Congress approving a war powers resolution would make the administration's hands appear tied. The resolution's impact is largely symbolic due to an expected presidential veto and the lack of a veto-proof majority. The effort to constrain the White House comes as the war has morphed from a heavy bombing campaign to a fragile ceasefire. Officials also said repeated strikes by Tehran have ratcheted up pressure on the president and cast doubt over the long-term viability of the ceasefire, with Trump telling aides he would not resume all-out war with Iran unless U.S. troops were killed.