House Republicans cancel vote curbing Trump on Iran

House Republicans Postpone Scheduled Vote on War Powers Resolution for Iran Operations

House Republicans on Thursday postponed a vote on a war powers resolution that would direct President Donald Trump to end most U.S. military operations in Iran. The delay occurred after it became apparent that the measure had sufficient support to pass. Lawmakers are now scheduled to consider the resolution in June following the Memorial Day recess.

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, would require the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran except for those needed to defend the United States or an ally from imminent attack. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a president may engage in military conflict for 60 days without congressional authorization before further action is required.

President Trump initiated U.S. military operations in Iran on Feb. 28 without prior congressional approval. He has stated that the 60-day clock does not apply because a ceasefire remains in effect. The administration has also considered renaming the operation, previously referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” to “Operation Sledgehammer,” which could reset the statutory timeline, according to prior NBC News reporting.

Congressional backing for the operations has declined in recent weeks, including among some Republicans, as the conflict has affected global energy supplies and contributed to higher U.S. gasoline prices. The Democratic-backed resolution had been defeated on previous occasions in the Republican-controlled House. Several Republican members had signaled they might support the measure this time.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders issued a joint statement criticizing the postponement. They noted that the operations have resulted in at least 13 U.S. service members killed and hundreds wounded, with the Pentagon reporting costs of approximately $25 billion to date. The statement said Republicans had declined to proceed with a vote as members prepared to observe Memorial Day.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., told NBC News that the postponement was intended to allow absent members to record their votes upon return from recess. “We just had some members that weren’t there for it who wanted to be recorded on it,” Scalise said. “So we’re going to be giving them that opportunity when we get back.”

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., the top Democrat on the Rules Committee, questioned the decision on the House floor, asking why the resolution was not being considered. He stated that some members were unwilling to vote on the measure. Democrats applauded the remarks.

A similar war powers resolution came within one vote of passage the previous week. Three Republicans supported it, and Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, the sole Democrat who opposed it then, indicated he would vote in favor on the next attempt. Eight Republicans have been absent during recent related votes.

In the Senate, Republicans are seeking to block a parallel war powers resolution that advanced further than in prior attempts. The measure reached a final vote earlier this week after Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana joined three other Republicans in support. Three additional Republicans did not participate in the 50-47 tally.

Meeks introduced his resolution on the House floor on Wednesday, which started the legislative clock requiring leadership to schedule a vote. When the House reconvenes on June 2, the clock will expire and a vote will be required.

The House also rejected separate bipartisan legislation this week that would have authorized a site for a national women’s history museum. Republicans had amended the bill to exclude transgender individuals from exhibits.