US House Republicans cancel vote on resolution to limit Trump’s Iran war powers

WASHINGTON: Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Thursday abruptly cancelled a planned vote on a resolution aimed at ending the Iran war unless President Donald Trump secures congressional approval for military action.

The vote had been scheduled just hours before lawmakers were due to leave Washington for the Memorial Day recess.

The move came two days after the US Senate advanced a similar war powers resolution in a rare challenge to Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran.

House Republicans had previously blocked three similar resolutions earlier this year with overwhelming support from within the party, reflecting strong Republican backing for the military campaign against Iran and support for Trump.

However, support for the war appeared to be weakening in recent weeks as the conflict continued following the start of US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The latest measure was widely expected to pass after several Republicans signalled they could break ranks, while other lawmakers were absent.

“We had the votes without question, and they knew it,” Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters after the vote was pulled.

Meeks said Republican leaders had postponed the vote until early June after the Memorial Day break.

Democrats and a small number of Republicans have demanded that Trump seek formal approval from Congress before continuing military operations against Iran, arguing that the US Constitution gives Congress — not the president — the authority to declare war.

Critics have also raised concerns that the United States could become trapped in a prolonged conflict without a clear strategy.

The White House and most Republicans insist Trump’s actions are lawful under his powers as commander-in-chief, arguing that limited military operations are necessary to counter imminent threats against the United States.

Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress.

On Tuesday, the Senate advanced a separate but similar war powers resolution by a vote of 50-47. Four Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the measure, while three Republicans were absent from the vote.