House to Vote on Measure to End U.S. Engagement in Iran

The House is scheduled to vote on a measure that instructs President Trump to either withdraw U.S. forces from Iran or obtain congressional approval to continue the conflict. This resolution had been anticipated to pass in May until Republican leaders halted its progress to avoid a setback for both the party and the president.

The measure’s adoption would serve as a significant reprimand to Mr. Trump regarding his management of the war. Despite repeated dismissals of congressional efforts to limit his authority, and the Republican party generally deferring to him, the measure moves forward. Previously, Republicans delayed the vote, lacking enough support to defeat it. It remains uncertain if they have garnered additional support in the interim as the conflict persists with minimal progress toward resolution.

Due to Democrats invoking the War Powers Resolution, which mandates timely consideration of such measures, Republican leaders can no longer delay the vote. Last month, three House Republicans joined Democrats in backing a similar resolution that narrowly failed due to a tie. This demonstrates growing opposition to the military campaign, now in its fourth month.

The vote highlights increasing tensions between congressional Republicans and the president as midterm elections approach. Recently, Senate Republicans forced Mr. Trump to abandon a $1 billion security funding request for a ballroom project and a controversial plan by the Justice Department intended to compensate claimants allegedly victimized by the government.

Should the resolution pass and gain Senate approval, the legal authority for lawmakers to compel a presidential troop withdrawal remains disputed. Mr. Trump and his advisors have labeled any congressional attempts to limit his war powers as unconstitutional. Yet, a recent Senate vote on a comparable measure, which saw several Republican defectors opposing the president and the war, reflects a growing inclination within his party to urge an end to the conflict, which many Americans consider not worth the expense.