Seven House Republicans joined Democrats in backing a measure to curb Trump’s Iran war powers in a 220-204 vote.
Seven House Republicans joined Democrats on Tuesday in supporting a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to continue U.S. military operations in Iran without congressional approval.
The House approved the measure by a 220-204 vote, marking the third time lawmakers have passed a resolution seeking to end U.S. involvement in the conflict. The latest vote represented the largest number of House Republicans to break with Trump on the issue so far.
The resolution directs the administration to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran, while allowing troops to remain in the region for defensive purposes, including protecting American and allied bases.
Republicans join Democrats
The seven Republicans who backed the measure joined every voting House Democrat in supporting it. Their votes provided the bipartisan margin needed for passage despite continued support for Trump’s Iran policy among most congressional Republicans.
The vote reflects an ongoing dispute over the balance of military authority between Congress and the White House.
Democrats have repeatedly used war powers resolutions to challenge the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict and to put lawmakers on record regarding continued U.S. military involvement.
Some Republicans who supported the measure have similarly argued that Congress should play a larger role in determining the scope and duration of U.S. military operations.
White House faces another congressional challenge
The latest House action is not expected to immediately end U.S. military operations. Previous resolutions have faced significant obstacles, and the White House has maintained that Congress’s measures do not legally compel the president to withdraw American forces.
The House vote comes as the Iran conflict enters its seventh month. According to an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, the war had cost approximately $38 billion through July, with additional monthly costs estimated at between $2 billion and $3 billion depending on the intensity of fighting.
The conflict has also become an increasingly prominent issue ahead of the November midterm elections, with lawmakers returning to their districts as campaigning intensifies.
Debate over presidential war powers continues
Tuesday’s vote is the latest development in a series of congressional efforts to assert legislative authority over the president’s military decisions.
Earlier this year, Republicans also crossed party lines on previous Iran war powers votes. Four House Republicans supported an earlier resolution in June, while four Republican senators backed a Senate measure later that month.
The repeated votes underscore the continuing disagreement in Washington over how much authority a president should have to conduct prolonged military operations without a new authorization from Congress.
For now, the House resolution adds another layer to the ongoing confrontation between Congress and the Trump administration over the Iran war and presidential war powers.
Also read: Iran Oil Exports Crippled by US Blockade
