U.S. House Republicans Abruptly Cancel Vote on Resolution to Limit Trump’s War Powers in Iran
U.S. House Republican leaders on Thursday abruptly cancelled a scheduled vote on a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran, amid indications that the measure was on the verge of passing with bipartisan support due to GOP absences.
The resolution, introduced by New York Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was part of ongoing efforts by Democrats in both chambers to rein in presidential war powers. The initiative has gradually gained traction among some Republicans in recent weeks.
Top House Democratic leaders strongly condemned the decision to pull the vote, accusing Republicans of shielding the Trump administration from congressional oversight.
In a joint statement, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said, “the Republican-controlled House continues to behave like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trump administration.”
They added that Republicans “cowardly pulled a scheduled vote on a War Powers Resolution—legislation that would have passed with bipartisan support and required the President to end the conflict in the Middle East.”
Rep. Gregory Meeks also criticized the move, alleging political interference. Speaking to reporters, he said the vote was delayed despite sufficient support for passage.
“Here we are on the eve of Memorial Day, with prices for gasoline going up, prices for food going up. We had a vote because of this president’s war of choice that was going to pass… and as a result they’re playing a political game, they’re cheating and have delayed the vote until we get back,” Meeks said.
He added that the measure is now expected to be reconsidered in early June when lawmakers return from the Memorial Day recess.
Earlier in the week, Meeks had accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of stalling the legislation, noting that some Republicans were coming under pressure from constituents concerned about rising living costs.
The Senate earlier advanced a similar resolution seeking to restrict presidential authority to conduct military operations against Iran without congressional approval, signaling growing congressional scrutiny of the issue.
The cancelled vote also came after President Donald Trump defended his administration’s approach to Iran, insisting it had public support.
“Look, everyone tells me it’s unpopular, but I think it’s very popular when you, when they hear that it’s having to do with nuclear weapons, weapons that could take out Los Angeles, could take out major cities very quick,” Trump said at the White House earlier this week.
