WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s war powers in Iran.
Thursday, House lawmakers voted to block further military action in Iran without congressional approval.
“Donald Trump and Republicans have failed the American people,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
Democrats took a victory lap on Capitol Hill Thursday, after delivering a new rebuke of the administration’s war with Iran, “As part of our continuing effort to bring Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice in the Middle East to a close,” said Leader Jeffries.
Four Republicans joined Democrats in the 214-208 vote to advance the largely symbolic measure seeking to limit the president’s military powers without congressional approval. It’s the second time the House has voted to rein in the administration, but the first since the collapse of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
The vote comes one day after the House approved a more than $1 trillion, record-breaking defense policy bill for the Pentagon — and the framework for an additional $67 billion in military dollars to address the war.
“And you’ve got people in here who say they’re fiscal hawks, who fold every time,” said Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt. “I’m tired of it.”
“Whether you like it or not, we’re in this conflict,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y.
Congressman Langworthy said he wants to see a diplomatic solution and clear objectives from the administration, but he’s against limiting the commander in chief in the middle of a conflict.
“You still don’t tie the commander in chief’s hands to do the job, to make sure that our troops have the resources necessary to achieve their daily mission,” said Langworthy. “I think there should be more information shared with Congress, you know, clear objective of the mission. I think the president wanted to get to a diplomatic solution. But you’re trying to negotiate with people who have historically and consistently throughout this conflict moved the goalposts every time you got towards the finish line.”
The Senate rejected a similar war powers measure shortly after the House approved its version.
Republican Susan Collins of Maine joined Democrats to advance the measure, and Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was the only Democrat to oppose it. Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul — who have previously supported war powers efforts — did not vote.
The House’s rebuke comes as oil and gas prices tick up yet again.
Brent crude spiked 6% Thursday, briefly topping $100 a barrel. AAA says regular gas now averages $4.09 a gallon, with diesel at $5.21.
