The New York Times: House Rejects Effort to Limit Trump’s War Powers in Iran

The United States House of Representatives voted 219–212 to block consideration of a bipartisan resolution aimed at halting offensive U.S. military operations in Iran without congressional authorization, according to reporting from The New York Times.

The measure was introduced by Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, who argued that the Constitution grants United States Congress the authority to initiate war.

During debate, Massie cited the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which limits the president’s ability to use military force without congressional approval unless the United States has declared war, provided statutory authorization, or faced a national emergency caused by an attack.

Opponents of the resolution argued that Donald Trump has the authority as commander in chief to conduct military operations against Iran, citing long-standing threats posed by the Iranian government.

The vote revealed divisions within both parties. Two Republicans — Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson — supported the effort, while four Democrats — Henry Cuellar, Jared Golden, Greg Landsman, and Juan Vargas — voted with Republicans to block it.

The vote followed a similar decision in the United States Senate, which also rejected a measure seeking to limit the president’s military authority in the escalating conflict with Iran.