The U.S. House of Representatives voted 214 to 208 to adopt a war powers resolution introduced by Democratic Rep, but Pramila Jayapal of Washington, according to CBS News. The resolution seeks to direct the president to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities against Iran without express authorization from Congress. Republican Reps. Tom Barrett of Michigan. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. Warren Davidson of Ohio. And Thomas Massie of Kentucky crossed party lines to support the measure.

Midterm Elections and Political Ramifications

Trump has dismissed GOP concerns about the potential political ramifications in the midterm elections, though most Republicans continue to back the war despite the risks, according to CBS News. The vote follows the deaths of several U.S. service members in Iranian attacks, with no off-ramp in sight. Jayapal and Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado emphasized the need to assert Article I Constitutional powers and demonstrate Congressional disapproval of the war in a letter to their Democratic colleagues ahead of the vote.

Senate Backs Similar Resolution

The U.S. Senate passed a similar resolution on Tuesday, marking Trump’s most significant political setback since the war with Iran began, according to Todo Alicante; the Senate vote passed with 50 votes in favor and 48 against, with four Republican senators breaking ranks and voting with Democrats. The resolution lacks immediate legal effects but carries substantial political and symbolic weight, indicating that support for Trump’s strategy is no longer monolithic within his own party.

The Republican senators who distanced themselves from Trump were Rand Paul, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, all of whom face challenging midterm elections. The Senate decision follows a similar vote in the House of Representatives in early June, when a comparable resolution passed with the support of all Democrats and four Republican congressmen.

War Powers and Constitutional Limits

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of the start of military hostilities, according to CBS News. Trump informed Congress on July 10 that military action against Iran had formally restarted after he declared a monthlong ceasefire over. The House resolution aims to assert Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers and set a legal precedent to end the conflict without further congressional approval.

The Senate is set to vote on advancing a similar but separate measure later Thursday, according to CBS News. The political shift reflects growing concerns in Washington over the duration and costs of the conflict, which is nearing four months. The bipartisan support in both chambers signals an emerging challenge to executive authority in matters of war and peace.