House Passes Resolution Limiting Trump’s Action in Iran
The House of Representatives passes a war powers resolution limiting President Trump’s action in Iran.
The resolution passed in a 214-208 vote, with four Republicans supporting the measure. Those were: Reps. Tom Barrett (MI), Warren Davidson (OH), Thomas Massie (KY), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA).
“This is a vote of conscience. This is a vote that requires us to find the strength to do what is right for the American people, and to send the clearest, even stronger message to this president of the United States that the United States Congress, the House of Representatives, is reasserting our authority over war. This war must end,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) in remarks on the House floor.
Jayapal, alongside Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) are behind the resolution.
“18 American servicemembers have been killed since this war began. Hundreds more have been injured. Billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent. The President’s war with Iran has been an unmitigated disaster. The costs are rising every day, yet the President is choosing to double down on his failures,” Crow said in a statement on the resolution. “Congress has already voted once to stop this reckless war. The American people oppose this war and want our leaders to end forever wars.”
Earlier this month, President Trump sent a notice to Congress, writing that he has directed the military to continue strikes against Iran through the War Powers Act.
In the letter addressed to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Trump wrote that his administration “engaged in productive, good-faith efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution to Iran’s malign behavior and to end its threat to the United States and our allies and partners,” an action culminating in the signing of a memorandum with Iran to “make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels.” Despite this agreement, Iran attacked several commercial vessels.
In response to Iranian attacks, the United States carried out defensive strikes. “United States ground forces are not involved in these strikes,” President Trump assured. “These strikes are limited, measured, planned, and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties. They are focused on military capabilities posing a threat to the United States homeland, advancing United States national interests, securing safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and defending our regional allies and partners.”