House Republicans on Thursday canceled a scheduled vote on a war powers resolution that would compel President Donald Trump to withdraw from military action in Iran. The move came as GOP leaders faced potential defeat due to absences and growing opposition within their ranks.
Core Developments
House Democrats introduced the resolution to rein in Trump's ability to wage war without congressional approval. Republicans pulled the vote after realizing they lacked the votes to defeat it, with several GOP lawmakers absent ahead of the Memorial Day recess. The resolution had appeared likely to pass, as three Republicans had previously voted in favor of similar measures.
Context and Reactions
The House narrowly rejected a similar resolution last week in a 212-212 tie, with three Republicans voting in favor. Earlier this week, the Senate advanced a war powers resolution, with four GOP senators supporting it and three others absent. Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks, who sponsored the resolution, accused Republicans of playing a "political game" by delaying the vote. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders called the move "cowardly."
House Republican Leader Steve Scalise said the vote was delayed to allow absent lawmakers to participate. House Speaker Mike Johnson did not comment on the decision. The Trump administration has argued that the conflict, which began on February 28, has not reached the threshold for congressional authorization due to a shaky ceasefire with Iran since early April.
Broader Implications
The delay highlights the uncertain support in Congress for Trump's military campaign in Iran. The 1973 War Powers Resolution limits a president's unilateral military action to 60 days before requiring congressional approval, with a one-time 30-day extension allowed under certain conditions. The conflict has disrupted global shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to rising gas prices in the U.S.