The U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution on Thursday seeking the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran. The measure passed 214 to 208, with four Republicans joining the Democratic majority in support of the resolution: Reps. Tom Barrett (R-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Thomas Massie (R-KY). Following the House action, a similar measure in the Senate failed to advance in a 47 to 49 vote.
Lead sponsor Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) stated that the resolution was intended to signal that Congress has not authorized the ongoing military engagement and lacked consultation on its strategy. Conversely, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) opposed the measure, stating that the military operation is a response to Iranian attacks on U.S. personnel and that the resolution devalued the service of those killed in the conflict.
The Pentagon reports that 18 U.S. troops have died and nearly 500 have been injured since hostilities began in February. President Trump has characterized such war powers votes as "meaningless." This is the second time the House has approved a resolution of this nature since the start of the conflict, as lawmakers continue to debate the scope of executive war-making authority versus congressional oversight.