WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional lawmakers are scheduled to vote Thursday on a measure that would force President Donald Trump to end military operations against Iran, representing a critical evaluation of legislators’ support for a conflict the president initiated more than two months ago.
This vote represents the most recent Democratic effort to limit Trump’s military actions through the 1973 War Powers Resolution. Similar legislative attempts have previously been unsuccessful.
Gradually, a small yet potentially decisive group of Republicans have joined Democrats in attempting to restrict Trump’s authority to maintain the conflict. This Tuesday, the Senate moved forward with another war powers measure regarding the Iran conflict when four Republican senators supported the proposal and three others were not present for the vote.
A concluding Senate vote on their resolution may also occur Thursday, although Republican leadership anticipates they will successfully prevent its passage when all GOP senators are in attendance.
Frustration with Iran war grows on Capitol Hill
Among lawmakers on Capitol Hill, tolerance for the conflict has diminished as the military standoff in the Strait of Hormuz interferes with international shipping routes and raises gas prices across the United States. A previous House war powers measure almost succeeded last week, ending in a tied vote with three Republicans supporting it.
While Republicans have generally backed Trump’s mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, some now contend that the president’s legal authority to conduct warfare without congressional authorization has run out. According to the 1973 War Powers Resolution, presidents may engage in military action for 60 days before Congress must either formally declare war or approve the use of armed forces.
The dispute over war powers
The White House contends that War Powers Resolution requirements no longer apply due to the ceasefire with Iran. Meanwhile, Trump has stated he came within an hour of ordering another military strike against Iran earlier this week, but refrained because Gulf allies indicated they were involved in negotiations to conclude the war.
Nevertheless, Trump posted on social media that military commanders should “be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached.” Trump has consistently established deadlines for Tehran and subsequently delayed action for strategic purposes.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican who has previously opposed the war powers resolutions, voiced dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s position, particularly regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“The current status quo, Pete Hegseth demonstrates how incompetent he is,” Tillis informed reporters, noting that he would consider supporting an authorization for military force.
Republican leadership commended Trump for what they characterized as decisive action to directly challenge Iran, a country that has remained a U.S. opponent for decades.
“I’m an American. I don’t believe in getting hit and walking away and pretending as though it didn’t happen,” stated Rep. Brian Mast, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
