The U.S. House of Representatives voted on a Tuesday to block President Trump from further military action against Iran. The resolution, which passed 220-204, directs the president to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with the country.
The measure marks the third time the House has voted to limit the president's war powers regarding Iran. Previous efforts occurred in June and July. While the House and Senate both adopted a resolution in June, the White House has disputed its validity, and a July resolution has yet to see movement in the Senate.
In this latest vote, seven Republicans joined Democrats in support of the resolution. Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Zach Nunn (R-IA) supported the measure for the first time. They joined Reps. Tom Barrett (R-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Thomas Massie (R-KY), who had supported previous resolutions.
The conflict began on February 28. Though the Pentagon stated the initial phase, Operation Epic Fury, ended in May, the U.S. and Iran have continued to exchange fire. A July ceasefire attempt fell apart. President Trump has defended the strategy, stating the conflict has degraded Iran's military and predicting the war would end immediately after the upcoming November election.
Taxpayers and lawmakers are monitoring these costs as the Trump administration seeks tens of billions in additional funding. Currently, Republicans are attempting to secure up to $73 billion in new war funding through the reconciliation process. However, this funding is tied to a budget blueprint that stalled in the Senate due to the inclusion of the SAVE America Act. Households may also notice the effects of the conflict through global energy prices, which remain high due to constrained oil shipments from the region.
The legal and legislative precedent of the War Powers Act remains a point of contention between the branches of government. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) stated the administration has not yet shown a lasting strategic resolution to Iranian threats after seven months of war. It is currently unclear if the Senate will vote on this measure during its final two weeks of session before the November elections. If the Senate does not act, the resolution will not reach the president's desk.