US House passes symbolic measure to curb Trump's war in Iran

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a symbolic resolution intended to curb President Donald Trump's authority to wage war in Iran without congressional approval. The measure, driven by Democrats and supported by four Republicans, passed with a vote of 215-208.

This resolution is the first of its kind related to the Iran conflict to be approved by the House. It aligns with a similar resolution that the Senate advanced in late May. The bipartisan support signals a growing unease among some lawmakers regarding the executive branch's unilateral military actions. The four Republicans who joined the Democrats were Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, and Warren Davidson of Ohio.

While the resolution is symbolic, it represents a significant check on Trump's actions. Proponents argue that Trump initiated the offensive against Iran without legislative consent, violating the War Powers Act of 1973, which mandates congressional authorization for sustained military engagements. The White House, however, maintains that Trump acted within his constitutional powers as commander-in-chief.

The resolution's journey is far from over. It must now be considered by the Senate, where it needs to secure a majority to proceed to the White House. President Trump would then have the final say, with the option to approve or veto the initiative. The vote comes amid criticism of Trump, including the approval of $1.8 billion in funds for allies under investigation during the Joe Biden administration.