The US House of Representatives has re-approved a resolution requiring President Donald Trump to end military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes its continuation. 214 congressmen voted for the document, 208 voted against.
Along with Democrats, four Republicans supported the resolution: Tom Barrett, Brian Fitzpatrick, Warren Davidson and Thomas Massie. The document was introduced by Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and orders the withdrawal of US military forces from combat operations against Iran in the absence of separate authorization from Congress.
Voting is largely symbolic. The Trump administration considers resolutions passed under the 1973 War Powers Act to be unconstitutional and non-binding. The legal issue remains controversial: the White House could ignore Congress’ request, and the final decision would likely have to be made by the courts.
This is the second such decision by the House of Representatives: on June 3, the resolution was adopted by 215 votes to 208, and later it was supported by the Senate. The new vote reflects growing dissatisfaction with the protracted war and Republican fears that rising casualties and economic costs will weigh on midterm elections in November. The Senate is scheduled to consider another similar resolution later on July 23.