House passes resolution to end hostilities with Iran : NPR

A bipartisan majority in the House, led by Republicans, voted on Wednesday to end the conflict with Iran. This marks a significant challenge to President Trump’s management of the situation and its economic repercussions.

The war powers resolution was approved by a margin of 215 to 208, with support from four Republicans alongside Democrats.

The vote was initially planned two weeks prior, but Republican leaders decided to send House members home for a May recess when it seemed the Democratic-favored resolution had sufficient Republican support to pass. Despite the break, the GOP’s stance against the measure didn’t gain traction.

Prior to the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana defended President Trump’s decision to target Iran.

“Remember, Iran declared war on us 47 years ago, chanting ‘death to America.’ The president’s actions aim to protect the people,” Johnson stated to the press.

The resolution holds mainly symbolic value. Democrats have repeatedly failed to pass a similar war powers resolution in the Republican-controlled Senate. Even if it succeeded in Congress, President Trump would likely veto it, as his administration questions the War Powers Act’s constitutionality.

Nevertheless, Senate Democrats have made some progress. They recently secured support for a procedural step towards a war powers vote, with a few Republicans joining their ranks. A final vote, however, has yet to be scheduled.

House Democrats hailed the vote and urged the Senate to act similarly.

“Despite numerous attempts to gain support from Republican followers in the House, Democrats have successfully passed our War Powers Resolution to stand up for the American people and hold Donald Trump accountable. It’s time for Senate Republicans to do the right thing,” read a statement from Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with deputies Katherine Clark from Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar from California.

The administration has vigorously opposed the initiative in both the House and Senate. Wednesday’s vote indicates that support for the war may be waning, even among some of his party members.

Over 90 days into the conflict, some Republicans have voiced their discontent, citing an unclear resolution to the war. Efforts to negotiate peace have not gained significant momentum, casting doubts on a fragile ceasefire. Just hours before the vote, there were exchanges of strikes between Iran and the U.S. in the Persian Gulf.

The conflict began on February 28 with attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iran. According to the 1973 War Powers Act, the president must end hostilities within 60 days without congressional authorization, although a 30-day extension can be requested. The law also allows Congress to terminate hostilities through a resolution, although it is subject to a presidential veto.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania explained his decision to support the resolution, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law, referencing the War Powers Act.

“We’re past the 60 days, so you have two choices. You either follow the law or you change the law. You can’t violate the law. That’s not an option,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick was joined by Republicans Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky in supporting the resolution.

After the Iran vote, leading Republicans faced a setback on a proposal to provide aid to Ukraine. Six Republicans sided with Democrats to advance the measure, paving the way for a final vote.

The leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee expressed hope for additional Republican support to aid Ukraine.

“Three years down the road, they are still fighting for their own freedom,” said Representative Gregory Meeks from New York. “We can’t let them down.”