House Passes War Powers Resolution to Halt U.S. Military Action Against Iran

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House of Representatives approved a war powers resolution on Wednesday that would halt U.S. military action against Iran, defying President Donald Trump as a handful of Republicans joined Democrats to end the three-month-long conflict that has reshaped politics at home and abroad.

The vote was 215-208, sparking cheers in the House chamber. House Speaker Mike Johnson had previously tried to block the measure, shutting down floor action two weeks ago when it was on the verge of approval, but opposition to the war has grown as the conflict drags on and Trump struggles to negotiate a resolution.

“This reckless and costly war of choice needs to end today,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. “All we need are a handful of Republicans to join us and we can end this reckless and costly war of choice — a war that has cost the American taxpayer over $100 billion and left our country in a weaker position relative to Iran.” This marks the fourth time the House has attempted to curb the U.S.

war against Iran, and the first successful passage. The Senate advanced its own war powers resolution last month when a handful of GOP senators broke ranks with the president.

Each time Democrats have pushed the resolution, vote tallies have increased as political unease swells. Trump campaigned on a promise to end foreign entanglements, but the war has shifted focus back to the Middle East.

Johnson insisted Trump is “laser focused” on domestic issues ahead of the midterm elections. Since the U.S.

joined Israel in launching strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, gas prices have spiked, adding to inflationary pressure.

Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for oil and natural gas. “We’re working on that final piece,” said Johnson.

“The entire world has an interest in the Strait of Hormuz being reopened for commerce.” A ceasefire declared in April remains uneasy, and talks for a durable end have dragged, complicated by Israel’s broadening war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Military strikes between the U.S.

and Iran continue to flare. The war powers resolution would not immediately stop the war but provides a symbolic step against further military action.

If approved by the Senate, it would go to the president. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran would see the administration’s “hands are going to be tied” if Congress approves the resolution.

The House is also voting on a Democratic-led effort to authorize U.S. support for Ukraine’s military operations and reconstruction.

This week, the House is expected to consider a war powers resolution to block U.S. action in Lebanon.

Under the War Powers Act, the White House has a 60-day window to seek congressional approval for military action, but the administration argues that the ceasefire has ended hostilities.