House Passes Iran War Powers Limits on Trump

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a Democratic-backed war powers resolution aimed at constraining President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran.

In a vote of 220-204, the chamber approved the measure sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat. Seven Republicans supported the resolution: Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, Zach Nunn of Iowa and Nancy Mace of South Carolina.

It was the third time the House has passed a similar war powers resolution, though the number of Republicans voting in favour rose from four to seven.

Democrats Warn Against undeclared Conflict

Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during remarks on the House floor that Congress had not authorised a war with Iran. He argued that the administration has kept US troops in harm’s way without a declaration of war or a specific authorisation from Congress, and without a plan for how the conflict would end.

Meeks also cited the human and financial costs, saying 19 service members have been killed and more than 750 have been wounded, while troop deployments have been extended and additional spending has increased. He added that, in his view, the president’s handling of the conflict has reduced the country’s ability to prepare for future threats.

Pentagon Watchdog Cites Gulf Damage

A report from the Pentagon’s watchdog, published on Monday, found that US diplomatic facilities in four Gulf countries incurred estimated damages of about $184 million due to Iranian military strikes.

The findings were released as estimates of the conflict’s cost continue to rise since it began in late February.

The Pentagon told congressional defence committees last month that the war has cost at least $42 billion.

Budget Office Forecasts Higher Costs

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the conflict is likely to raise inflation early next year. It also forecast that the fighting could cost at least $2 billion per month for as long as the war continues.

In addition to the casualties reported by Meeks, the conflict has resulted in 18 US service members killed and more than 800 wounded over more than six months, according to the accounts cited in the House debate. More than 50,000 American troops remain deployed in the region, and the Trump administration has not provided a clear exit strategy, lawmakers said.

Trump told reporters last week that he believes the war against Iran would end “immediately” after November’s midterm elections.

Impeachment Move By Massie

Earlier on Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

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16 September 2026