House Democrats push to pass measure curbing Trump’s war powers over Iran | House of Representatives
House Democrats will try to pass a resolution Thursday restricting Donald Trump’s war powers on Iran; It’s a move that Republicans will almost certainly block, but it’s one that signals hesitation on Capitol Hill over whether there will be a clear end to the conflict in the Middle East.
The vote, scheduled for Thursday morning, will use a procedure called unanimous consent; it’s a shortcut that allows legislation to pass immediately through the chamber without debate or a formal count, unless a single member objects. Any lawmaker could kill the decision simply by objecting, and Republicans are expected to do just that.
The temporary ceasefire announced on Tuesday is already showing serious cracks. Israel has continued to strike Lebanon, claiming it is hunting Hezbollah, but Iran insists it is within the scope of a ceasefire; Both the US and Israel deny this claim. Lebanese officials said the latest wave killed at least 254 people, injured 837 and completely destroyed buildings in central Beirut.
It was reported that Iran took action to stop oil tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz again, just a few hours after the first ships were allowed to pass. No official ceasefire text was issued and J.D. Vance called it a “fragile” ceasefire. UN secretary general warned Israel’s continued military activity in Lebanon poses a “serious risk” to the agreement.
Against this backdrop, House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries continues to move forward. He expressed serious doubts about the ceasefire in a letter to colleagues on Wednesday.
“A two-week ceasefire is woefully inadequate,” Jeffries said. “Accordingly, we have requested that the House immediately resume session to vote on our resolution to permanently end the war in the Middle East.”
The House is on a two-week recess and will not return to a formal vote until April 14.
Cross-support from Republicans for the war powers resolution remains elusive. Rep. Nancy Mace, who endorsed Democrats last month. seems unlikely now breaking ranks by members of both parties.
Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican and retired one-star general who supported a war powers measure limiting Trump’s Venezuela policy earlier this year. he told Politico “He’s listening” and adds: “I want us to beat Iran. They’ve been slaughtering Americans for 47 years.”
Meanwhile, Senate minority leader Democrat Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that the Senate will vote on a resolution on Iran’s war powers when it returns to Washington next week.
