Bipartisan Push in House Seeks to End Iran Conflict
A significant move unfolded in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday as a coalition of both Democrats and Republicans voted to terminate the ongoing war with Iran. This decision marks a notable challenge to President Trump’s approach to the conflict and its economic implications.
The war powers resolution passed narrowly with a vote count of 215-208. Notably, four Republicans sided with Democrats, showcasing a cross-party effort to address the issue.
Initially, the vote was scheduled for two weeks prior, but Republican leaders opted to send House members on a May recess when it seemed the Democrats had garnered enough Republican support to pass the measure. Despite the delay, GOP backing for the resolution remained steady.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stood by President Trump’s actions regarding Iran, stating, “Remember … Iran declared war on us 47 years ago. They chant ‘death to America.’ The president is trying to keep the people safe.”
Although the vote is largely symbolic, it underscores growing discontent with the administration’s stance. The Senate, led by Republicans, has repeatedly blocked war powers resolutions. Even if passed, a veto from President Trump is anticipated, as his administration disputes the constitutionality of the War Powers Act.
Senate Democrats are gradually gaining ground, recently securing support for a procedural measure to initiate a war powers vote. However, a final vote date is still pending.
House Democrats expressed optimism following the vote, urging the Senate to act. “Following repeated attempts to get sycophants in the Republican-controlled House to join us, House Democrats successfully passed our War Powers Resolution today to stand up for the American people and hold Donald Trump accountable. It is now time for Senate Republicans to do the right thing,” stated Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his deputies, Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar.
The administration has actively resisted the resolution in both legislative chambers. Wednesday’s vote indicates waning support for the war, even among some Republicans.
As the conflict extends beyond 90 days, frustration is growing within Republican ranks over the lack of a clear resolution. Efforts to end the war have stalled, and recent exchanges of strikes between Iran and the U.S. in the Persian Gulf further complicate the situation. For more updates, click here.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, is subject to the 1973 War Powers Act. This law stipulates that the president must end hostilities within 60 days without congressional authorization or request a 30-day extension. Congress can vote to terminate military actions, though this is subject to presidential veto.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., cited adherence to the War Powers Act as his reason for supporting the resolution. “We’re past the 60 days, so you have two choices. You either follow the law or you change the law. You can’t violate the law. That’s not an option,” Fitzpatrick explained.
Joining Fitzpatrick were Republicans Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky in supporting the resolution.
In a related development, a proposal to provide aid to Ukraine also advanced despite Republican leadership’s opposition. Six Republicans joined Democrats in moving the measure forward for a final vote.
The leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., expressed hope for additional Republican support for Ukraine, stating, “Three years down the road they are still fighting for their own freedom. We can’t let them down.”
