House Republicans yanked a war powers resolution off the floor Thursday after realizing it had the votes to pass, forcing a showdown that will now play out after Memorial Day recess when lawmakers return in June.
The resolution would have constrained President Donald Trump's authority to continue military operations against Iran, a conflict he launched on February 28 without congressional approval. Democrats and a growing number of Republicans had signaled support, putting Republican leadership in the position of either allowing the measure through or canceling the vote entirely. They chose the latter.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told NBC News the delay was tactical. "We just had some members that weren't there for it who wanted to be recorded on it," Scalise said, suggesting absent Republicans needed another chance to cast their votes. The action essentially kicked a contentious issue past the holiday break.
The decision drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who framed it as a dodge on accountability. "Even as we prepare to recognize our nation's fallen heroes on Memorial Day, House Republicans refuse to show up and be accountable to the brave service members that have been recklessly put in harm's way," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders said in a joint statement.
The Iran conflict has become a growing political liability for the GOP. At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed, hundreds more wounded, and the Pentagon estimates costs at $25 billion so far. The war has disrupted global energy supplies and pushed American gas prices upward, issues that resonate across the political spectrum.
Support for the conflict has eroded even within Republican ranks. A similar resolution nearly passed last week in a 50-50 tie, with three Republicans joining Democrats in support. Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, the sole Democrat who opposed it previously, said he would vote yes on the next attempt. Eight Republicans have been consistently absent during the series of votes.
The war powers measure, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, would direct Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran except for defensive operations protecting the nation or allied partners from imminent attack.
Trump has argued that the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which limits presidential military action to 60 days without congressional approval, does not apply because a ceasefire with Iran remains technically in effect. The Pentagon is reportedly considering renaming the operation from "Operation Epic Fury" to "Operation Sledgehammer," a change that could potentially restart the 60-day clock under Trump's interpretation.
The House must vote on the resolution when it returns June 2, the deadline set by House legislative rules after Meeks formally introduced the measure Wednesday. Senate Republicans face similar pressure, where the war powers resolution has advanced closer to passage after multiple prior defeats. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana recently joined three other Republicans in support, and three additional GOP senators missed the most recent 50-47 vote.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Republicans know this vote will haunt them if they don't act, but they're clearly hoping the summer break buys them political cover."
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