US House Republicans cancel vote on Iran war powers resolution

The US House of Representatives canceled a scheduled Thursday vote on a war powers resolution that would have required President Donald Trump to end military operations against Iran. The cancellation came after it became clear that the Democratic-sponsored measure was likely to pass with bipartisan support.

The resolution invoked the 1973 War Powers Act, legislation that gives Congress the authority to limit presidential military actions. Democratic lawmakers argued that the US Constitution grants Congress - not the president - the power to declare war. They demanded explicit congressional authorization for continued military action against Iran.

Particularly significant was the willingness of several Republican lawmakers to join Democrats in supporting the measure. This would have dealt the Republican leadership a stinging defeat and politically weakened Trump. Republicans currently hold only a narrow 217-212 majority in the House, making even a few defections decisive.

The Senate had already advanced a similar war powers resolution on May 19 in a rare rebuke of Trump. Four Republican senators voted with Democrats despite the GOP's 53-45 majority. Two independent senators typically support the Democrats, effectively narrowing the Republican advantage.

The postponement of the vote until June reflects growing frustration on Capitol Hill with the Iran conflict. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about escalating tensions and the lack of congressional involvement in military decisions. Democratic leadership called the cancellation a "disgrace" and accused Republicans of avoiding a difficult vote.

The War Powers Act was passed in 1973 during the Vietnam War to limit presidential war powers. It requires the president to notify Congress of military deployments and seek authorization after 60 days unless Congress declares war or extends the deadline. Critics argue, however, that the law is often circumvented in practice.

The current situation highlights the ongoing constitutional tension between the executive and legislative branches on war powers. While Trump asserts his authority as commander-in-chief, Congress insists on its constitutional right to decide matters of war and peace. This confrontation could intensify if a vote proceeds in June.

For Trump, the postponement provides temporary relief, but the underlying challenge remains. Should the resolution actually pass in June, he would face the difficult choice of either complying with Congress or risking a constitutional crisis. The development is being watched as an important test of checks and balances in the US system.

The cancellation also avoided immediate political embarrassment for the Trump administration ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Republican leadership struggled to find sufficient votes to dismiss the legislation, highlighting internal party divisions over the Iran policy. The delay gives the administration time to potentially build opposition to the measure or negotiate alternative approaches to the Iran situation.