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A strike on Tehran last month. Photograph: Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen A strike on Tehran last month. Photograph: Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images US House passes war powers resolution to curb Trump’s authority in Iran Stunning rebuke to president as lawmakers vote 215-208 for measure forcing him to seek congressional approval The US House of Representatives delivered a stunning rebuke to Donald Trump over his war on Iran on Wednesday, as representatives backed a move to force him to seek approval from Congress or withdraw US forces. The House voted 215 to 208 in favor of the war powers resolution, as four Republicans voted with Democrats. Wednesday’s vote came nearly two weeks after House Republicans cancelled an earlier scheduled vote , on the grounds that they lacked the votes to defeat it. The Senate voted last month to advance a resolution forcing Trump to seek congressional approval after four Republican senators rebelled and voted with the Democrats. US Senate votes to advance resolution to curb Trump’s Iran war powers Read more The latest vote comes as efforts aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement to the three-month conflict have yet to bear fruit, despite repeated claims by Trump and his most senior officials that an agreement is almost negotiated, and that Iran is “desperate” to reach a deal. Sporadic hostilities have been taking place amid a shaky ceasefire that has been in place since early April, while Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil supplies typically travel – and the US has implemented a naval blockade against Iranian vessels. Polls have consistently shown low public support for the war, amid fear among Republicans that anger over rising fuel costs that it has triggered will cost the party in November’s congressional midterm elections. House Republicans cancel vote on war powers resolution to end US war in Iran Read more Trump has already attacked and punished Republicans who have criticized the war. Thomas Massie, a representative from Kentucky and an opponent of the war, lost a party primary last month to an ally of the president who had been encouraged to run by Trump, who was angered by Massie’s leading role in pressing the justice department to release filed on Jeffrey Epstein. The vote comes as Capitol Hill Republicans have shown more willingness than previously to defy Trump in recent days. Republicans in the Senate have forced the president to withdraw a demand for $1bn in security funding for his White House ballroom project, and to abandon a proposed $1.8bn “anti-weaponization fund” that would have seen Trump’s political allies – including offenders convicted of the 6 January, 2021 assault on the US Capitol – awarded compensation at taxpayers’ expense. Explore more on these topics Donald Trump US politics US-Israel war on Iran US Congress House of Representatives US Senate Republicans news Share Reuse this content
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  • 0
    Looks like Congress is finally standing up to the bully in the room, but lets hope they can navigate the minefield of international diplomacy without setting off another nuclear chain reaction.
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  • 0
    Its encouraging to see lawmakers asserting their role in checks and balances, especially during times of potential conflict. This vote could pave the way for more transparent decision-making and protect against hasty actions.
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  • 2
    While its positive to see lawmakers asserting their role, it remains to be seen if this resolution will actually curb Trumps authority or if its just a temporary band-aid. After all, the root cause of this situation likely goes beyond just one decision. #ChecksAndBalances
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  • 1
    This is a significant step towards upholding democratic principles and ensuring that military action is not taken unilaterally. Its encouraging to see lawmakers taking an active role in checks and balances, especially in times of potential conflict. This vote could indeed pave the way for more transparent decision-making and protect our nations interests.
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  • -1
    Absolutely! This resolution is a crucial step in upholding democratic principles and ensuring that military action is not taken without oversight. It reminds us that even in times of crisis, accountability and transparency are non-negotiable. Lets hope this sets a precedent for more responsible governance.
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