House Republicans on Thursday postponed a vote on legislation aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to continue U.S. military operations in Iran after it became apparent the measure had enough support to pass.
Lawmakers are now expected to vote on the resolution in June following Congress’ return from the Memorial Day recess.
Support within Congress for the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran — launched by Trump on Feb. 28 without congressional authorization — has weakened in recent weeks, including among some Republicans, as the conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets and drive up gasoline prices in the United States.
The Democratic-backed war powers resolution had previously failed multiple times in the Republican-controlled House. However, several lawmakers signaled ahead of Thursday’s planned vote that they intended to support the measure.
In a joint statement, Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders accused Republicans of avoiding accountability by pulling the vote.
“Even as we prepare to recognize our nation’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day, House Republicans refuse to show up and be accountable to the brave service members that have been recklessly put in harm’s way,” the statement said.
Democrats noted that at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed in the conflict, hundreds more wounded, and the Department of Defense estimates the war has cost approximately $25 billion so far.
Asked whether Republicans risked losing the vote, Steve Scalise said some lawmakers who were absent wanted the opportunity to be formally recorded on the issue once Congress reconvenes.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a president may engage in military conflict for only 60 days without congressional authorization unless Congress formally declares war or approves the use of force.
Trump has argued that the law no longer applies because a ceasefire with Iran remains in place. NBC News also reported last week that the U.S. military was considering renaming the Iran conflict from “Operation Epic Fury” to “Operation Sledgehammer,” a move that could potentially reset the 60-day legal timeline.
The House resolution, introduced by Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, would direct the president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities involving Iran except where necessary to defend the United States or its allies from imminent attack.
A separate war powers resolution narrowly failed in the House last week after ending in a tie vote, with three Republicans supporting the measure. Jared Golden, the only Democrat who voted against it at the time, later said he would support the resolution in a future vote.
Following Thursday’s postponement, Jim McGovern sharply criticized Republican leadership on the House floor.
“Are we not voting on it because the American people are sick and tired of this illegal war?” McGovern asked before accusing Republicans of lacking the courage to bring the measure forward.
Earlier Thursday, the House also rejected bipartisan legislation authorizing a women’s history museum after Republicans amended the proposal to prohibit exhibits featuring transgender individuals. Several Republicans were reportedly absent during that vote series as well.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are also working to block a similar Iran war powers measure that has gained momentum after repeated earlier defeats. The Senate resolution advanced toward a final vote earlier this week after Bill Cassidy joined three other Republican senators in supporting it, while three Republicans missed the 50-47 procedural vote.
Meeks formally introduced the House resolution Wednesday, triggering a legislative timetable that requires Republican leaders to schedule a vote once lawmakers return to Washington on June 2.
