The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bipartisan war powers resolution by a vote of 215-208, directing President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran unless Congress authorizes military action.
The measure, co-sponsored by Representative Maggie Goodlander, a Democrat from New Hampshire, marks the latest effort by lawmakers to reassert Congress’ constitutional authority over decisions to commit U.S. forces to war.
“We did a good thing for our Constitution and our country today,” Goodlander, a Navy veteran, said in a statement following the vote. “Congress sent a very simple and unequivocal message to the Commander in Chief: if you are going to take America to war, you have to make your case to the American people and you have to get congressional authorization.”
Goodlander has also backed separate legislation aimed at blocking the use of federal funds for military operations against Iran without congressional approval.
The resolution now moves to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain amid a broader debate over the scope of presidential war powers and Congress’ role in authorizing military action.