In a significant bipartisan rebuke of President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a resolution aimed at preventing further military action without congressional approval.
The measure was approved by a narrow 215-208 vote on Wednesday, with four Republican lawmakers joining Democrats in a rare display of opposition to the president’s war policy. The resolution marks the latest effort by lawmakers to reassert Congress’ constitutional authority over decisions to engage in war.
Despite clearing the House, the proposal still faces major hurdles. It must first be approved by the Republican-controlled Senate, where a similar measure has yet to receive a full vote despite advancing earlier this year.
Even if it passes both chambers, the resolution may have limited impact. Trump retains the power to veto the legislation, and overturning a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.
Among the Republicans who broke ranks to support the measure were Representatives Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson. Democrat Jared Golden, who previously opposed similar efforts, also backed the resolution.
Speaking after the vote, Barrett said Congress must safeguard its constitutional role in declaring war. He added that he was prepared to stand by his decision regardless of any political consequences.
The vote highlights growing divisions within the Republican Party over the administration’s military strategy. It follows recent disagreements between Trump and some conservative lawmakers over other major policy initiatives.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a co-sponsor of the resolution, described the outcome as a major bipartisan rejection of what he called an illegal and costly conflict.
Meeks argued that the military campaign has failed to achieve its objectives while contributing to higher fuel prices and making diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme more difficult.
The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with attacks targeting Israel and U.S.-allied nations in the Gulf region, while also disrupting shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Although Washington and Tehran reached an initial ceasefire agreement in April, tensions have remained high. Recent military exchanges have included U.S. strikes inside Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran against regional targets.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Trump expressed optimism that negotiations are progressing. Speaking at the White House, he said discussions were moving in a positive direction and suggested a broader agreement could be reached as early as this weekend.
The latest vote underscores mounting pressure from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle who are increasingly calling for a diplomatic solution rather than a prolonged military confrontation in the Middle East.
