US House fails to limit Trump’s actions against Iran

On March 5, the US House of Representatives rejected a measure aimed at halting President Donald Trump’s aerial campaign against Iran and requiring congressional authorisation for any military action against the country.

The resolution received 219 votes in favour and 212 against, largely along party lines. Two Republicans supported it, while four Democrats opposed it, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Opponents accused Democrats of bringing the issue to a vote solely to oppose Trump, putting Americans at greater risk.

"We all know that we ⁠wouldn't be here today if the president's name wasn't Donald Trump," Representative Rick Crawford of Arizona, the Republican chairman of ​the House Intelligence Committee, said during debate on March 4.

Proponents framed the resolution as an effort to restore Congress’s constitutional authority to sanction war. Supporters argued that requiring Trump to seek congressional approval for military action would force him to explain to Americans why the US is engaged in conflict and what the potential outcomes might be.

"This is a war of choice, launched by this administration without authorisation, without clearly stated objectives or ‌a ⁠defined endgame, and without explaining how they intend to keep Americans safe," Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said.

Shortly before the vote, members of both parties overwhelmingly passed a separate resolution affirming that Iran remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.

Even if the House had approved the measure, it would not have stopped the conflict. For the resolution to take effect, it would have required Senate approval and a two-thirds majority to override an expected Trump veto.

By Jeyhun Aghazada