WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are facing challenges in their efforts to dismiss a bill designed to require President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from the Iran conflict. This has resulted in the postponement of votes until June.
There was a planned vote on a war powers resolution led by Democrats aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions. However, as Republican leaders recognized they lacked the votes to defeat the proposal, they opted not to push for a vote. This trend indicates waning support for the war, which Trump initiated over two months ago without congressional backing.
Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks, who sponsored the bill, accused the Republicans of playing politics. “We had the votes” but they were hesitant, he claimed.
In the Senate, Republicans are also trying to secure support to block another war powers resolution that recently advanced, despite some GOP senators breaking ranks to support it. There’s a growing unease among some Republicans regarding Trump’s war strategy, reflecting a shift in Congressional support.
House Republican Leader Steve Scalise suggested the delay was to give absent lawmakers a chance to participate in the vote, but House Speaker Mike Johnson avoided press queries as he left the chamber.
Concerns about the Iran war are mounting in Congress. The ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting global shipping and driving up gas prices in the U.S. Recently, another war powers resolution almost passed, demonstrating bipartisan concern over the conflict.
Meeks asserted he is confident in the votes this time. “People are starting to listen to the American public, who oppose the war. More Republicans are recognizing the toll it’s taken on our country,” he said.
Interestingly, Rep. Jared Golden from Maine, the only Democrat who opposed the last resolution, stated he’d support it next time around.
In a joint statement, House Democratic leaders criticized Republicans for avoiding accountability, especially as Memorial Day approaches, when the nation honors its fallen heroes.
While many Republicans have historically backed Trump’s initiatives against Iran, some now argue that Trump’s authority to engage in military action without congressional approval has expired. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates that Congress must approve military actions after a 60-day period.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, announced his intent to vote for the resolution, emphasizing the need for legal adherence.
The White House currently contends that the War Powers Resolution isn’t applicable due to ongoing negotiations. Yet, Trump has hinted at a possible military escalation if negotiations fail. He remarked on social media that military leaders should be ready for “a large scale assault” on Iran at a moment’s notice.
Senator Thom Tillis expressed frustration with the current administration’s handling of the situation, especially concerning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s strategy.
Earlier this week, Democratic senators, alongside the veterans’ group VoteVets, rallied at the Capitol. They highlighted rising gas prices, which have hit an average of $4.53 nationwide, to draw attention to the war’s impact.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a veteran of the Iraq War, labeled Trump’s actions as strategic mistakes, pointing to heightened tensions with Iran’s new leadership and threats to commercial shipping routes.
Despite mixed feelings, Republican leaders have praised Trump for confronting Iran, which has historically been an adversary. Rep. Brian Mast stated, “As an American, you don’t just get hit and walk away.”
The push towards passing a war powers resolution could lead to a significant confrontation over military authority between Congress and the President, especially since the bill could take effect without Trump’s signature if both chambers approve it. However, Trump has labeled the 1973 law as unconstitutional, which adds another layer of complexity to the debate.
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Iran war, Donald Trump, U.S. Republican Party, Thom Tillis, Pete Hegseth, Tammy Duckworth, Voting, Military and defense, U.S. Democratic Party, Legislation, General news, Jared Golden, Politics, Brian Mast, Mike Johnson, Brian Fitzpatrick, Steve Scalise, Iran, Washington news, Hakeem Jeffries
