House Republicans Delay Iran War Powers Vote Until June

House Republicans postponed a vote on a Democratic war powers resolution that would have required President Trump to end U.S. military operations against Iran or obtain fresh congressional approval. The delay pushes the measure into June after the Memorial Day recess, leaving the executive branch with continued latitude during an active but paused conflict.

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., invokes the 1973 War Powers Resolution. That statute limits presidential authority to 60 days of hostilities without congressional authorization. Trump launched the campaign on Feb. 28. A ceasefire has held since early April, though the administration has warned it could resume strikes. Lawmakers cited rising U.S. gas prices tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and at least 13 American service members killed, with hundreds more wounded and costs reaching $25 billion according to Pentagon figures cited by Democrats.

GOP leaders said the postponement simply allowed absent members to record their votes. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters that several Republicans wanted to be present for the tally. Democrats countered that the move reflected unwillingness to confront eroding support for the operation. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., asked on the floor whether the delay occurred because “the American people are sick and tired of this illegal war.”

Last week the House recorded a 212-212 tie on a similar measure, with three Republicans joining Democrats. Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, the lone Democrat who opposed it then, has said he will support the resolution next time. In the Senate, four Republicans backed an advance of a parallel measure earlier this week, and three others were absent from a 50-47 procedural vote.

Trump has argued that the 60-day clock does not apply because of the ceasefire and that the 1973 law itself is unconstitutional. The White House has also floated renaming the operation, which could reset statutory timelines. Eight Republicans have been consistently absent during recent related votes, complicating both parties’ head counts.

The episode highlights the unresolved contest between Congress and the executive over initiation and continuation of hostilities. When the House returns June 2, leaders must bring the resolution to a vote under procedural rules already triggered by its introduction.