The U.S. House voted for a third time Tuesday to direct President Donald Trump to end U.S. military involvement in hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorizes continued action. The 220-204 vote renewed a congressional challenge over presidential war powers as the conflict enters its seventh month and its financial and economic costs grow
The resolution, introduced by Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, would require the administration to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, while allowing military personnel to remain in the region for defensive purposes, including protecting U.S. or allied bases. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure, while 204 lawmakers voted against it. The House vote followed two earlier attempts this year to invoke the War Powers Resolution, including a June vote that passed 215-208 and a July vote that passed 214-208.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was enacted after the Vietnam War to strengthen Congress’ role in decisions involving U.S. military deployments. It provides a mechanism for Congress to direct the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities under specified circumstances. The dispute over Iran reflects a longstanding constitutional disagreement over how much authority presidents can exercise as commander in chief without congressional authorization. The Trump administration has maintained that the resolution is not legally binding in the circumstances of the current conflict, while supporters of the measure argue that Congress has a constitutional role in authorizing extended military action.
The latest vote is not expected by itself to end U.S. military operations. Similar measures previously approved by Congress have not resulted in an immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces, and the latest resolution would still have to move through the Senate before reaching the president. The Senate previously approved a comparable war powers resolution in June, but later rejected another measure after Trump intervened with Republican senators.
The congressional debate is also unfolding as the costs of the conflict become a larger issue. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated Tuesday that the Defense Department had spent more than $38 billion on the war through Aug. 1, with future costs potentially reaching $2 billion to $3 billion a month depending on the intensity of military operations. The CBO also said disruptions to oil and natural gas shipping had contributed to higher inflation, adding an economic dimension to the debate over the continuing U.S. military presence.
Sources: Information attributed to The Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post and the U.S. House Clerk.