US House votes 220-204 to curb Trump’s Iran war powers; 7 Republicans back move

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 220-204 to require President Donald Trump to end US military involvement in hostilities with Iran without congressional authorisation, marking the third time lawmakers have passed a war powers resolution seeking to limit his authority over the conflict. Seven Republicans joined all voting Democrats in backing the measure.The vote came as the Iran war entered its seventh month and on the same day the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that US military operations against Iran had cost the Pentagon about $38 billion through August 1. The CBO said continued fighting could cost another $2 billion to $3 billion a month, depending on the intensity of operations.The resolution, led by Democratic Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, directs the administration to remove US armed forces from hostilities against Iran, while allowing US personnel to remain where necessary to defend American or allied forces and bases in the region. The White House has argued that such resolutions are not legally binding.Seven Republicans back the measureSeven Republicans voted with Democrats, up from four Republicans who supported the two previous House resolutions. The three Republicans backing the latest measure for the first time were Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn of Iowa and Nancy Mace of South Carolina, according to CNN.The four Republicans who had previously supported the war powers resolutions were Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.House Republican leaders have not formally required members to vote one way or another on the resolutions. Trump, however, has publicly criticised Republicans who have opposed his Iran policy, making the votes an increasingly visible test of Republican support for his handling of the war, CNN reported.Why the House voted againThe latest vote is part of a months-long effort by House Democrats to force lawmakers to take formal positions on the continuing military operation.The House first approved a similar war powers resolution in June and followed it with another in July. Neither reached Trump's desk. The latest measure therefore represents the third House attempt to restrict the president's authority over the Iran conflict.The timing is also significant. The House is nearing its final voting sessions before lawmakers return to their districts to campaign ahead of the November midterm elections. Democrats have sought to put Republicans on record over the war as voters confront its economic and military consequences.Senate hurdle remainsThe resolution still needs to clear the Senate before it could reach the White House.The Senate previously passed a similar war powers resolution after securing enough Republican support. But that effort collapsed after a Republican senator changed his vote following pressure from the Trump administration, according to CNN and AP. Democrats are expected to try again later this week, but it remains uncertain whether they can secure enough Senate votes.Even if Congress ultimately approves the measure, the Trump administration has opposed the effort and has previously maintained that Congress cannot use the War Powers Resolution to direct the president in this manner. Previous House resolutions never reached Trump's desk.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.