Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives have unexpectedly postponed a vote on a bill aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran, according to reports by Bloomberg and Axios.
The measure had the potential to become the first successful congressional condemnation of Trump’s actions after multiple failed attempts by Democrats to pass similar resolutions.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers said the vote was called off due to an insufficient number of Republican lawmakers present. He indicated that their participation could have resulted in the bill being approved.
“We went from losing by one point to a tie last week, and tonight they (the Republican Party, — ed.) staged this cowardly retreat,” said Democratic Congressman Jared Huffman.
Republican leaders plan to revisit the legislation after a one-week recess marking Memorial Day. However, Axios noted that the vote would be largely symbolic, as Trump retains the power to veto the measure.
While most Republicans continue to support Trump’s military campaign, concerns have increased within the party over the duration of the conflict without formal congressional authorization. Some Republican lawmakers argue that the 60-day deadline set by the War Powers Resolution — which requires the withdrawal of U.S. forces in the absence of congressional approval — has already passed.
The White House, however, maintains that the deadline does not apply, citing a ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Iran.
By Tamilla Hasanova
