House Republicans postponed a vote on a war powers resolution that would tamp down on Trump’s ability to continue operations in Iran.
The operation in Iran began at the end of February without congressional approval and although the GOP was once in favor of supporting Trump, that support has been waning, as the results the operation has caused problems for Americans.
The Democrats introduced a war powers resolution, but it was repeatedly been voted down by the Republican-run House. However, several of those same lawmakers have indicated that they would be willing to vote for it now.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders issued a statement on the delay of the vote on the conflict in Iran which has cost $25 billion thus far.
“Even as we prepare to recognize our nation’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day, House Republicans refuse to show up and be accountable to the brave service members that have been recklessly put in harm’s way,” they said.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a president can only engage in military combat for 60 days before Congress declares war or authorizes the use of miliary force.
The current House resolution, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-NY, would order the president to remove U.S. troops from Iran except for those forces that are necessary to defend the United States or an ally from attacks.
A different war powers resolution resulted in a tie vote last week with one Democrat voting against it, but Rep Jared Golden of Maine said that he would vote for it the next time it came up for a vote.
After the postponement was announced, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., addressed his colleagues and asked why they wanted to delay the vote.
“Are we not voting on it because the American people are sick and tired of this illegal war? You guys don’t even have the guts or the balls to vote on this,” he said.
When Congress reconvenes on June 2, the legislative clock would have run down and lawmakers will have to vote on the resolution.
