Overview
- The Republican‑led House voted 215–208 to approve Rep. Gregory Meeks’s war powers resolution, with the decisive margin produced when four Republicans joined all present Democrats in favor on Wednesday.
- The measure would order President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress declares war or specifically authorizes force or troops are defending against an imminent attack.
- The vote is politically consequential but not yet operational because the resolution still needs Senate approval and the White House says it will veto the bill and challenge its constitutionality in court.
- Lawmakers cited rising costs, continued strikes, troop risk and public opposition as reasons for action, and the House outcome signals growing GOP unease that could constrain administration flexibility in negotiations with Tehran.
- Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution the president may conduct hostilities for a statutory window before Congress must act, but the administration argues a ceasefire paused that clock and courts may be asked to decide how the law applies.