House Passes Resolution on Trump’s War Powers

The House of Representatives approved a war powers resolution on Wednesday, aiming to limit President Trump’s military actions regarding Iran, but it won’t compel him legally.

In a vote of 215-208, four Republicans sided with Democrats to pass the resolution. This version is a concurrent resolution, which expresses Congress’s opinion or dictates certain actions under the War Powers Resolution.

However, even if both chambers of Congress pass it, a concurrent resolution lacks legal force. Consequently, Trump isn’t required to abide by it and could disregard any directive to withdraw troops.

If the Senate converts this into a joint resolution, it would require Trump’s approval and would likely be vetoed. In such a scenario, Congress would need a two-thirds majority to override his veto.

Concurrent resolutions are generally used for matters that affect both chambers, like setting times for adjournment or establishing fiscal goals.

Officials at the White House claimed the concurrent resolution is “unconstitutional” and it’s doubtful it would lead to any action, even if it passes the Senate.

“This resolution opposes the Constitution,” an official noted. “The War Powers Act was created with a legislative veto but was deemed unconstitutional in 1983. President Trump will continue to exercise his authority as commander-in-chief to ensure national security while keeping Congress informed.”

According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president can engage in military conflict for 60 days before Congress must declare war or authorize military force. The House resolution, led by Representative Gregory Meeks from New York, would mandate that Trump remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran, except where necessary for the protection of U.S. troops and allies from imminent threats. It would also require authorization from Congress for any military action.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump dismissed the vote as “meaningless” and suggested that House members were hoping to undermine the U.S.

“In the midst of negotiating peace with Iran, the House made a futile vote alongside four inconsistent Republicans and all Democrats to restrict my war powers,” Trump wrote. “Who acts so unpatriotically? They’re aware of the negotiations’ status. The Democrats are consumed by Trump Derangement Syndrome; they’d rather see failure than allow me a victory. As for those four Republicans, well, they are just attention seekers. They should feel embarrassed.”

Once the resolution is sent to the Senate, it will go to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If the committee forwards it, a simple majority of 51 votes would be necessary to pass it, and there wouldn’t be a filibuster. Despite a Republican majority, a few Senate Republicans joined Democrats to propose a similar resolution seeking Trump’s approval.

The Senate’s version is a joint resolution, which means it requires Trump’s signature. Republican Senators Bill Cassidy, Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski supported it, while three other Republicans didn’t vote as the resolution heads for a final vote expected on May 19. To overturn a presidential veto on this resolution, Congress would need a two-thirds majority.

Cassidy previously lost in a primary to Trump-endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow from Louisiana, while Collins faces re-election in November against Democratic candidate Graham Plattner.

In a letter to Congress dated May 1, Trump declared the Iran war “over” as the 60-day limit under the War Powers Resolution approaches. Legal experts indicated that a ceasefire doesn’t reset the timeline regarding war powers.