House passes war powers resolution to curb Trump's Iran military action

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution Wednesday directing President Donald Trump to end military action against Iran or seek congressional approval, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke of the president's handling of the conflict.

The measure passed 215 to 208, with four Republicans joining all Democrats in support. The dissident Republicans were Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Tom Barrett of Michigan. Democratic Representative Jared Golden of Maine, who had voted against previous measures, also backed the resolution.

The vote came nearly two weeks after House Speaker Mike Johnson pulled a scheduled vote on the resolution, sending members home for a May recess when it appeared Republicans lacked the votes to defeat it. The extended break did not shift GOP support, and the measure advanced when voting resumed.

The resolution now moves to the Senate, which must promptly take up the measure under the war powers law. Both chambers must pass it before it reaches Trump's desk, where officials said he is certain to veto it. A Senate measure with similar intent passed in May, with four Republicans joining most Democrats in that chamber.

The conflict began February 28 when Trump joined Israel in attacking Iran without seeking prior congressional approval. The war has now extended three months, with Saturday marking its 100th day. Trump has attempted to characterize the military action as a response to Iran's actions decades earlier, with House Speaker Johnson stating before the vote that "Iran declared war on us 47 years ago."

This is the first time the chamber has come together to pass a symbolic measure of disapproval for the war. Officials said the resolution is largely symbolic given the expected presidential veto and the requirement for both chambers to pass it before reaching Trump.