House Rejects Resolution to End US Involvement in Iran Conflict

US House Rejects Resolution on Iran Military Action

The US House of Representatives voted 219-212 against a resolution requiring Congress’s approval for further military action on Iran. The vote took place on Thursday, with Trump’s fellow Republicans controlling a narrow majority of seats in the House.

A similar measure was defeated in the Senate earlier this week, with lawmakers voting along party lines. The US Constitution states that only Congress can declare war, while presidents have authority to conduct certain military actions under specific circumstances.

Representative Gregory Meeks, top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that President Trump must come to Congress and make the case for any further action against Iran. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, thanked Trump for taking action against Iran, citing his constitutional authority to defend the US.

Mast emphasized that the war powers resolution would have asked the president to do nothing, while Trump administration officials met with lawmakers to reassure them about the situation. The conflict has already resulted in six US military deaths and thousands of Americans abroad seeking assistance to flee the Middle East.

Source: Al Jazeera