House again passes resolution seeking to halt military action in Iran as some Republicans defect - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reports that the U.S. House narrowly approved a resolution Thursday aimed at stopping American military action in Iran, marking the chamber’s second warning to President Donald Trump as the conflict intensifies. The measure passed 214-208 and would require congressional approval for the war, while the Senate rejected a similar Democratic-led resolution, 47-49, shortly afterward.

AP reported that the votes are largely symbolic because the White House said the resolutions do not carry the force of law. Still, Democrats used them to test congressional support for Trump’s approach and to highlight concerns that lawmakers have not authorized the campaign. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, who led the House floor effort, criticized the administration for lacking a clear mission or endpoint. A small number of Republicans joined Democrats in the House, but most GOP lawmakers in both chambers opposed the resolutions.

According to AP, the war began with joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in late February. A fragile ceasefire was reached in April, but Trump said earlier this month that it was over. The White House argued Thursday that the president has constitutional authority to defend the United States and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The debate comes amid continued U.S. airstrikes, stalled public diplomacy and tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy route that AP said remains largely closed. Democrats, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, argued the conflict is unpopular and increasingly costly. Republicans such as Rep. Brian Mast of Florida defended the mission and cited U.S. service members killed since the war began.