House Republicans Delay Vote on Iran War Powers Resolution Amid Growing Congressional Debate

Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives postponed a planned vote Thursday on a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran without Congressional approval. The decision came unexpectedly just days after a similar bipartisan measure advanced in the U.S. Senate, intensifying debate over presidential war powers and military involvement in the Middle East.

The House vote had been scheduled shortly before lawmakers left Washington for the Memorial Day recess. However, Republican leadership delayed consideration of the resolution until early June. The measure seeks to require Congressional authorization for continued U.S. military action against Iran, following recent strikes carried out by the United States and Israel beginning on February 28.

Representative Gregory Meeks, the leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that Republican leaders likely postponed the vote because the resolution appeared poised to pass. Previous attempts to approve similar war powers measures in the House were narrowly blocked, with Republicans largely voting against them. The latest proposal gained momentum due to expected absences and possible Republican defections.

In the Senate, lawmakers voted 50-47 on Tuesday to advance a separate Iran war powers resolution. Four Republican senators joined nearly all Democrats in supporting the procedural step, signaling increasing bipartisan concern over the administration’s military strategy.

Critics of Trump’s actions argue that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war. Both Democrats and several Republicans have urged the president to seek formal approval before expanding military operations against Iran. They warn that continued strikes could pull the United States into a broader regional conflict without a clear long-term strategy.

The White House and most Republican lawmakers continue to defend Trump’s actions, arguing that the president has the legal authority as commander in chief to conduct limited military operations to protect U.S. national security interests and respond to imminent threats. Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate.