The US House of Representatives voted 215-208 to pass a war powers resolution aimed at reining in President Donald Trump's authority to attack Iran without congressional approval. Four Republicans crossed party lines to join Democrats in supporting the measure.

While the resolution is unlikely to become law, it marks a sharp rebuke of Trump's decision to join Israel in striking Iran on February 28, a conflict now entering its 100th day. Trump did not seek congressional authorization, labeling the operation a 'skirmish' or 'short-term excursion.'

This is the fourth war powers resolution introduced this year, but the first to pass the House. The vote followed a controversial procedural move: Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, abruptly adjourned the chamber on May 21, canceling an expected vote. The resolution was revived after the recess.

The Republican defectors were Tom Barrett, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Thomas Massie. Massie, who lost his primary after Trump campaigned against him, wrote on social media: 'The People's House is sending a message: end this war.' Massie will not return to Congress next year.

Democrats unanimously backed the resolution. Representative Ayanna Pressley urged the Senate to act swiftly, while Representative Shontel Brown highlighted constitutional concerns: 'Congress holds the power to declare war—not the executive branch. It is time to end Trump's costly war in Iran NOW.'

The war has cost the US an estimated $29 billion, according to the Pentagon, though Harvard analysts project costs could exceed $1 trillion. A CSIS report warned of critical munitions shortages, including Tomahawk missiles and THAAD systems.

Public disapproval of Trump's handling of the war stands at 60%, up from 54% in March, with Republican disapproval rising from 15% to 22%. 61% of Americans believe the war has done 'more harm than good,' citing economic fallout such as soaring fuel and fertilizer prices.

The resolution now heads to the Senate, which passed a similar bill in May. However, it faces an uphill battle: Trump is likely to veto any attempt to curb his powers, and neither chamber has achieved the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.

Source: www.aljazeera.com