The US House of Representatives has approved a resolution seeking to halt President Donald Trump's military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes it, marking the latest congressional rebuke of the administration's handling of the conflict. The measure passed by 214 votes to 208, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support. Republican Representatives Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson crossed party lines to back the resolution, which was introduced by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal. Although the vote represents a significant political setback for the White House, the resolution would not legally force the administration to end military operations. As a concurrent resolution, it is not sent to the president for approval or veto and does not carry the force of law. Senate Rejects Similar MeasureLater on Thursday, the Senate voted on a separate effort to limit Trump's war powers in Iran, but the proposal failed by 47 votes to 49. Republican Senator Susan Collins joined Democrats in supporting the measure, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted with Republicans to reject it. The votes came after fighting resumed following the collapse of a recent ceasefire and the breakdown of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. Growing Republican UneaseThe House vote marked the second time lawmakers have attempted to limit Trump's authority to continue military action against Iran, but it was the first since diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran collapsed. Democrats have repeatedly forced votes in both chambers to restrict the president's war powers. While those efforts have largely failed, they have attracted increasing Republican backing, reflecting growing unease within the party over the prolonged conflict. The debate has intensified following the return to the United States on Wednesday of the flag-draped bodies of four American service members killed during the war. Some Democrats argue that congressional war powers resolutions remain legally binding despite questions over their enforceability, noting that courts have not definitively ruled on the issue. Democrats Highlight Political MessageHouse Democrats said the repeated votes also reflect public opposition to another prolonged US military conflict as the midterm elections approach. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said many Americans were tired of the United States entering wars without sufficient justification and spending vast sums on overseas conflicts. She said passing the resolution before lawmakers left for the August recess sent a message opposing the war, warning that it had harmed the global economy while diverting attention from the concerns of working-class Americans. Jayapal said she believed some Republicans who did not participate in the vote wanted to avoid explaining to constituents why they opposed ending what she described as an illegal war. Trump has previously criticised Republicans who backed earlier efforts to curb his war powers, calling them "losers" in posts on Truth Social and telling party members in private meetings that their actions had made his job more difficult. In June, during the ceasefire, the Senate approved a resolution aimed at removing US military forces from Iran. However, lawmakers reversed course a day later after failing to advance a similar war powers measure. Join the discussion? 24 July 2026
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