WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure Wednesday intended to rein in President Donald Trump's power to conduct military operations in Iran.
The House voted 215-208 to end military action in Iran. Four Republicans voted with Democrats: Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Tom Barrett of Michigan.
“I share the interest in making sure that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, but we have to do this in a way that is done through the use of force authorization,†Barrett said. “The Congress has the exclusive authority, Congress alone declares war. That's something that we have to be, you know, certainly protective over.â€
The measure directs the administration to withdraw troops from Iran or get approval from Congress to continue the war.
Congress has not issued a declaration of war since 1942. In the 20th century, Congress used Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) to give the president broad authority.
Trump was asked about the status of the war in Iran by reporters in the Oval Office Wednesday.
“It's a different part of the world. You know, I'd say in that part of the world, a ceasefire is when you're shooting in a more moderate manner. A ceasefire there is much different than a ceasefire in other parts of the world,†said Trump.
Democrats have forced votes to limit Trump's war powers in both the House and Senate. Wednesday's passage comes two weeks after the Senate advanced its war powers resolution.
The House and Senate must pass the same War Powers Act to send it to Trump's desk. If that happens, Trump would likely veto it.
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