The U.S. House of Representatives voted 215-208 on Wednesday to pass a Democratic-led war powers resolution aimed at stopping the war with Iran. The measure directs President Donald Trump to remove U.S. troops or seek congressional authorization for further hostilities. In a rare bipartisan rebuke, four Republicans joined Democrats in the vote, sparking cheers in the House chamber.
The vote reflects growing concern over the three-month-long conflict, which has taken an escalating economic toll on Americans. House Speaker Mike Johnson previously attempted to block the resolution by abruptly shutting down floor action two weeks ago. While the Trump administration maintains that the war is already over, ongoing exchanges of fire continue and peace negotiations have shown little real progress.
President Trump responded to the measure on Thursday, describing the move as unpatriotic. Despite the House's approval, the resolution remains largely symbolic. To become effective and overcome an almost certain presidential veto, it must pass the Senate and secure two-thirds majorities in both chambers. The Senate advanced a similar measure in a procedural vote last month.
This action represents the latest setback for Trump in Congress, despite his party's slim majorities in both chambers. The effort to constrain the White House occurs as the war has morphed from a heavy bombing campaign into a fragile ceasefire.