Overview
- House Republican leaders abruptly canceled a scheduled vote on the Meeks concurrent resolution on Thursday, May 21, saying several members were absent and postponing action until after the Memorial Day recess.
- Democrats said they had the votes and accused GOP leadership of blocking a likely defeat for the president, citing recent defections and Rep. Jared Golden’s announced switch to support the measure.
- The resolution would direct the president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorizes the use of force, but any passage faces a near-certain presidential veto and legal challenges.
- The White House argues a ceasefire paused the 1973 War Powers Resolution’s 60-day clock, while critics contend the timeline has expired and Congress must assert its Article One authority.
- The Senate recently advanced a similar measure with several Republican senators breaking ranks, and the stalled House vote sharpens political pressure over war costs, troop deployments and rising public disapproval.