The US House of Representatives has voted to end President Donald Trump’s war in Iran without congressional approval, the latest reversal by lawmakers of the president’s efforts to resolve the conflict.
Four Republicans voted with Democrats to support the measure proposed by Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal. The vote was 214 to 208. Republican Reps. Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson crossed party lines to support the resolution.
The House resolution represents a serious rebuke. But even if it had passed the Senate, it would not have forced the administration to end the war. Concurrent resolutions that are not presented to the President for signature or veto do not have the force of law.
Later Thursday, the Senate will vote on its own efforts to limit Trump’s military power in Iran.
The House vote comes as renewed conflict escalates after a recent ceasefire came to an end. It’s the second time the House has voted to test the president’s ability to continue a war, but the first since the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding collapsed.
Democrats have repeatedly demanded a vote to limit Trump’s war powers in both the House and Senate, but the campaign has gradually gained more GOP support, a sign of growing dissatisfaction within the party with the ongoing conflict.
The bodies of four American service members killed in the war with Iran returned to the United States on Wednesday in flag-laden boxes.
Some Democrats who support the war powers effort argue that concurrent resolutions are still legally binding and argue that courts have not ruled on whether they are unenforceable when considering war powers measures.
This story has been updated with additional information.