GOP blocks House war powers resolution for second time

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Republican members of the House of Representatives voted down a war powers resolution that would rein in President Trump's ability to wage war in Iran for a second time, although with just a one-vote margin this time. The debate over the six-week old conflict got heated, with Republican Rep. Brian Mast questioning the patriotism of Democrats and insisting they "really want America to lose." House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries responded that there "are patriots on both sides of this conflict." Senate Democrats have also been unable to pass a war resolution in the upper chamber, but some Republicans in both the House and Senate may be willing to question Trump's power to wage war in Iran closer to the end of the 60-day deadline for using military force without Congressional approval.

Why it matters

The failure of the war powers resolution highlights the ongoing partisan divide over the President's authority to engage in military action without Congressional approval. It also raises questions about whether Congress will be able to reassert its constitutional role in matters of war and peace, especially as the 60-day deadline approaches for the President to end military operations in Iran without further authorization.

The details

The war powers resolution failed in the House by a vote of 213 to 214, a narrower margin than the previous vote. Three Democrats who had not previously supported the bill - Reps. Greg Landsman, Juan Vargas and Henry Cuellar - flipped to vote in favor. However, several Republican House members who were "on the fence" about the bill ultimately decided not to support it. Rep. Gregory Meeks, the Democrat who sponsored the bill, said he knew there were four Republicans considering voting for the resolution, but the only way to find out was to bring it to a floor vote.

• The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran has been ongoing for six weeks.
• President Trump has 60 days to use military force after informing Congress, after which the operations must end unless Congress issues a declaration of war or other authorization.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The 60-day deadline for President Trump to use military force without further Congressional approval is approaching, which may prompt more Republicans in both the House and Senate to vote to rein in the President's war powers.