Lawmakers voted 215-208, with four Republicans—Reps. Thomas Massie (R, Ky.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R, Pa.), Tom Barrett (R, Mich.), and Warren Davidson (R, Ohio)—breaking ranks to approve the resolution, which is a largely symbolic rebuke directing the President to end hostilities with Iran. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D, N.Y.), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the resolution. The vote was originally slated for May 21, but was postponed at the last minute after Republican leaders sent House members home early for a recess when it appeared it would have enough support to pass.
Under the 1973 War Powers Act, the President has to end military action within 60 days if he does not obtain congressional approval. The President has an additional 30 days if he deems it “unavoidable” and necessary to continue to use U.S. armed forces to ensure their safe withdrawal, although it is not clear that Trump publicly invoked that provision. The U.S. and Israel launched the war against Iran on Feb. 28.
But observers dispute that interpretation, especially as hostilities have continued and a permanent deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz has not been reached. On Wednesday, the Pentagon, State Department, and USAID inspectors general announced a joint review of the war, noting that they are required by law to probe overseas military operations lasting more than 60 days.
Still, the vote marks a notable shift in Republican support for Trump’s war.
“People are tired of this. They’re tired of $5 gallon gas and $6 gallon diesel, and fertilizer we can’t afford to put on our fields in Kentucky,” Massie said after the vote.
Massie and Davidson were the only Republicans to join the majority of Democrats in supporting a previous Iran war powers resolution on March 5. Meanwhile, Massie was joined by Barrett and Fitzpatrick in backing a May 14 war powers resolution, but it failed in a 212-212 tie after Davidson voted against it.
In a statement after Wednesday’s vote, Fitzpatrick emphasized his support for degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities, but he said that the government must comply with the law in seeking congressional approval for military action.
“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,” he added.
No clear end in sight
Trump officials have repeatedly insisted that they expect a deal with Iran to end the war to be reached soon, if not imminently. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R, La.) argued on Wednesday that the war powers vote would “weaken” Trump’s power in negotiations with Iran.
Several sticking points remain in U.S.-Iran talks, including surrounding Iran’s nuclear program which Tehran maintains is for civilian purposes, and the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively closed at the start of the war. Trump also reportedly told advisers that he would not agree to a deal that involved giving Iran money, scuttling Iran’s demand for war damages compensation and for billions of dollars of its frozen assets to be released.
In the meantime, hostilities have continued around the Strait and even ratcheted up in recent days. Late Tuesday and into Wednesday, the U.S. and Iran traded fresh strikes. The U.S. hit Iran’s Qeshm Island, and Iran retaliated with deadly strikes on Kuwait’s international airport and an attack on U.S. military bases in Bahrain.
When asked about the U.S.-Iran cease-fire, Trump said on Wednesday, “a cease-fire there is much different than a cease-fire in other parts of the world.”
“I’d say,” he continued, “in that part of the world, ‘cease-fire’ is when you’re shooting in a more moderate manner.”
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