House Republicans Withdraw Iran War Vote Due to Concerns It Might Succeed

House Republicans Postpone War Powers Vote

On Thursday, House Republicans unexpectedly decided to delay a vote on a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s military actions in Iran.

This resolution, introduced by Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks from New York, would require Trump to withdraw U.S. forces engaged in hostilities unless they’re protecting American troops and allies from imminent threats. Interestingly, the resolution likely had enough votes to pass, as several Republicans were absent.

Lawmakers are set to address the resolution once they return from their Memorial Day break on June 2.

A few Republican representatives, including Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett from Michigan, and Thomas Massey from Kentucky, supported the resolution during a procedural vote. However, Massey wasn’t present for the House vote after losing his primary against a pro-Trump candidate.

Fitzpatrick’s and Barrett’s offices have yet to reply to any inquiries for comments.

In response, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with Minority Leader Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, criticized the Republican Party, suggesting it operates under Trump’s influence.

They stated, “The Republican-controlled House of Representatives continues to act like a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump administration. This cancellation of the War Powers Resolution vote, which had bipartisan support, showcases a lack of accountability for the service members put in danger. The American public will remember this come November.”

Meeks claimed that Republicans avoided the vote because they were aware of the likely defeat.

According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the President has 60 days to engage in military conflict unless Congress declares war or authorizes military force.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are also working to derail the War Powers Resolution, which is nearing a vote in Congress. Senators Bill Cassidy, Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, despite three other Republicans missing the vote, continued to advance the resolution to a final decision next Tuesday. Cassidy recently lost his primary to a candidate endorsed by Trump.