The House of Representatives is poised to pass a resolution limiting President Trump's ability to engage in military operations against Iran, with Democrats gaining critical support from previously undecided lawmakers. The vote, scheduled for Thursday, represents a significant political challenge to the administration's handling of the ongoing conflict.
Key Holdouts Reverse Positions
Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), who has consistently opposed previous war powers resolutions, announced his intention to vote in favor of the measure. Golden cited the War Powers Act, which requires presidential military operations to terminate after 60 days unless Congress authorizes continued action. "The administration could come to Congress and try to push for authorization," Golden stated, emphasizing the resolution's clarity compared to earlier versions.
Republican Divisions Emerge
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a retiring centrist with a history of supporting military interventions, expressed ambivalence about the upcoming vote. While acknowledging the president's desire for unilateral authority, Bacon highlighted concerns over constitutional boundaries, stating, "It's a tough vote, because we have the constitution and Article One authorities. The President doesn't like it."
"It would have passed today that's why they pulled it," said Rep. Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.), referencing Republican leadership's decision to delay the vote due to narrow margins.
Last week's attempt to pass a similar resolution ended in a tie, with Golden opposing the measure and several Republicans breaking ranks to support it. Absentees among both parties have played a pivotal role in shaping the vote's outcome, with 20 members missing critical votes on Wednesday.
While the resolution would be largely symbolic—Trump could veto it—its passage would mark a rare congressional rebuke of the administration's foreign policy and underscore growing unease over unchecked executive power.