In a significant setback for President Donald Trump, the US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a resolution seeking to prevent further military engagement with Iran unless Congress formally authorises such action.
The vote marks the latest attempt by lawmakers to reassert Congress’ constitutional role in decisions involving military conflict and comes amid growing scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the Iran campaign. The measure also highlighted emerging divisions within the Republican Party over Trump’s foreign policy approach.
The Democratic-led resolution was adopted by a narrow 215-208 margin, with four Republicans breaking ranks to support it. Representatives Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson joined Democrats in backing the proposal, according to CNN.
The measure, introduced by New York Democrat Gregory Meeks, seeks to limit the president’s authority to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval. Although the resolution requires passage by both chambers of Congress, it does not go to the president for signature and does not carry the force of law under normal congressional procedures.
Speaking after the vote, Meeks welcomed the bipartisan support.
“I am thrilled that we’ve had the opportunity to have some members from the Republican side stand up. I’m really thrilled and proud of my Democratic colleagues, because every Democrat, every single one voted for this,” he told reporters.
He said lawmakers would continue exercising their constitutional responsibilities and act as a check on the executive branch when necessary.
Republicans divided over Iran conflict
The House action comes as concerns over the administration’s conduct of the conflict appear to be widening within Congress. Democrats have repeatedly sought to curb Trump’s war powers, and recent efforts have drawn support from a small but growing number of Republicans.
The floor vote had initially been scheduled for May 21 but was pulled by Republican leaders amid concerns that member absences could result in an immediate defeat, CNN reported.
Meeks had earlier accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of delaying the vote. He argued that Republican lawmakers were facing pressure from constituents concerned about rising living costs and broader government priorities.
Before Wednesday’s vote, Johnson defended opposition to the resolution, saying it could weaken the administration’s ability to negotiate a lasting peace settlement.
“I think it is a very dangerous prospect to take away from the administration and the commander-in-chief right now the ability to negotiate,” Johnson told CNN.
He argued that military objectives under “Operation Epic Fury” had been achieved and maintained that the administration should be given room to pursue diplomatic efforts.
“The president is now in the process of concluding a peace agreement, and we have to allow him the latitude to do that,” Johnson said.
Questions over 60-day military deployment
The vote comes alongside increasing scrutiny of the legal basis for the military operation.
A joint investigation has been launched by inspectors general from the Pentagon, the State Department and USAID into the conduct of the campaign. In a statement issued Wednesday, the watchdogs said federal law requires them to review overseas military deployments that continue beyond 60 days.
Their intervention suggests oversight authorities believe the conflict has crossed the 60-day threshold since it began on February 28.
Under the War Powers Act, a US president cannot keep armed forces engaged in active hostilities for more than 60 days without congressional authorisation.
The White House did not obtain approval from Congress before launching the military operation, known as Operation Epic Fury.
Last month, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth argued that the 60-day clock effectively restarted after Trump announced a ceasefire in April.
The House vote adds fresh political pressure on the administration as lawmakers continue to debate the limits of presidential war powers and Congress’ role in authorising military action.