In a significant setback for President Donald Trump, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a war powers resolution aimed at ending American military involvement in the conflict with Iran, marking the first successful congressional effort to curb the administration’s war strategy. The measure passed by a narrow 215-208 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The resolution drew bipartisan support, with four Republicans joining Democrats to back the measure. The vote reflects growing unease on Capitol Hill over the president’s handling of the conflict, which began in late February and has entered its fourth month despite repeated promises that military action would be limited in scope.
Supporters of the resolution argue that Congress, not the president alone, has the constitutional authority to authorize prolonged military action. They contend that the administration failed to seek congressional approval as required under the War Powers Act and that lawmakers must reassert their role in decisions involving war and peace.
The White House and its allies criticized the measure, arguing that it could undermine ongoing negotiations with Iran and complicate efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire. Administration officials have maintained that major combat operations have effectively ended and that diplomatic talks remain active.
While the resolution faces an uncertain future in the Senate and could ultimately be vetoed by Trump, the House vote represents the strongest congressional rebuke of the president’s Iran policy to date. It also highlights growing bipartisan concern over the economic and political costs of the conflict, including rising energy prices and public dissatisfaction with the war.