U.S. President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives have blocked an attempt led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to restrict presidential war powers over military action involving Iran.
The move took place during a brief procedural session on Thursday (9 April), when Republican Representative Chris Smith brought proceedings to an early close before Democrats could force a vote on a war powers resolution.
The proposed measure would have required congressional approval to continue U.S. military operations and effectively sought to halt current strikes linked to the Iran conflict.
Although largely symbolic, the decision underlines deep divisions in Washington over the limits of presidential authority in military action.
Democrats have repeatedly tried to pass resolutions to restrict Trump’s ability to launch or continue military operations without congressional consent, including actions involving Iran and Venezuela. So far, those efforts have been blocked.
Party leaders have said they intend to bring similar measures back for a vote once Congress returns from recess next week.
The dispute comes after Trump’s recent warning that Iran faced devastating consequences if it did not comply with U.S. demands, remarks that have drawn strong criticism from the Democrats.
Some lawmakers accused the president of dangerously escalating rhetoric, while others raised concerns about the legality and oversight of military action.
The White House has maintained that the operations are lawful and fall within the president’s authority as commander-in-chief, arguing they are necessary to protect U.S. national security.
Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress, have largely continued to support Trump’s foreign policy approach.
The conflict has also reignited broader constitutional questions about war powers, which are formally held by Congress but in practice often exercised by the president during limited or fast-moving military operations.
Democrats argue that recent actions go beyond those limits, while Republicans insist the president retains authority to respond to threats without immediate congressional approval.
The political divide has become sharper in recent weeks, with some Democrats even raising the prospect of impeachment or use of the 25th Amendment, though such moves remain unlikely to gain bipartisan support.
Democrats are also attempting to link the military debate to domestic economic concerns, arguing that conflict-related disruptions are driving up energy and food prices in the United States.
They say increased spending on military operations is also placing pressure on public services, while Republicans accuse them of politicising national security issues.
With Congress still in recess, further votes on war powers are expected when lawmakers return next week, ensuring the dispute over Trump’s military authority is set to continue.
Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, has described fresh U.S. strikes on Iran as "absolutely necessary," in remarks at the start of the second day o...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was "over", adding he did not ...
The countdown is on for the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5–9 October 2026....
Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, has described fresh U.S. strikes on Iran as "absolutely necessary," in remarks at the start of the second day of the alliance's sumit in the Turkish capital Ankara.
The countdown is on for the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5–9 October 2026.
A United Nations inquiry has called for the immediate release of prominent Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been detained by Israel, saying reports of his treatment in custody raise serious concerns about possible violations of international law.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has condemned the use of VAR after Egypt's dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, claiming key refereeing decisions directly affected the outcome.
The U.S. says it has launched strikes on Iran after alleged attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington described the action as a response to threats against civilian shipping and a breach of the ceasefire.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was "over", adding he did not want to engage with Tehran, calling the Iranian leadership "sick people".
NATO leaders are unveiling multi-billion-dollar arms deals in Ankara as President Donald Trump joins the summit, highlighting Europe's increased defence spending amid tensions over Russia and Iran, and following years of U.S. criticism of the alliance.
Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, has described fresh U.S. strikes on Iran as "absolutely necessary," in remarks at the start of the second day of the alliance's sumit in the Turkish capital Ankara.
Massive crowds are gathering in the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's slain former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as part of a week-long farewell. His son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make a public appearance.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States will grant Ukraine a licence to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, a potentially significant step that could help Kyiv strengthen its air defences against Russia.
France's competition authority has ordered Meta to return to negotiations with French publishers and present a payment proposal within 15 days after a dispute over unpaid fees for the use of news content on its platforms.
Afghan officials have agreed to expanded cooperation with the United Nations regarding housing and jobs for returning Afghan citizens.
Flooding across parts of China is expected to worsen as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches the country's coast this weekend, becoming the second tropical cyclone to strike the country in a week. Authorities have warned that more provinces could be affected.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment