US House rejects war powers resolution to end Trump’s hostilities with Iran
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- The US House of Representatives voted 212-219 to reject a war powers resolution that would have forced the withdrawal of US forces from the conflict with Iran until Congress authorized military action, with the vote largely along party lines.
- Republicans, controlling both chambers of Congress, argued that President Trump was authorized to initiate the military campaign against Iran, while Democrats criticized the conflict as having unclear goals and lacking formal congressional approval.
- The military campaign followed weeks of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and was launched without a formal declaration of war or congressional authorization, leading to criticism that the administration engaged in an illegal war.
- Supporters of the resolution, including some Republicans, cited the 1973 War Powers Resolution and constitutional requirements for congressional approval before entering hostilities
