Khaberni - Republican lawmakers today, Thursday, blocked a Democratic opposition effort to limit President Donald Trump's power to wage war on Iran, amid rising discontent in Congress about the White House's handling of the conflict in the Middle East.
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sought to pass a text on presidential military powers through "consensus," a mechanism that allows bypassing a recorded vote unless an objection is presented.
However, the effort was stalled by the Republicans in a move that was expected.
The effort was largely symbolic, but it translates into growing discontent among Democrats about a conflict that Congress has not officially authorized.
Jeffries urged his colleagues to attend the session and press for immediate action, considering that a recently announced two-week ceasefire was "insufficient," calling for a permanent halt to U.S. involvement in the war.
However, Republicans did not seem open to restricting the president's military powers.
While some endorsed Trump's approach to managing the conflict, others did not support measures that would limit military operations, without hiding their discomfort over the lack of parliamentary oversight.
The failed effort sets the stage for a more serious confrontation when lawmakers return from a two-week vacation, as Democrats intend to impose a recorded vote on the text.
Jeffries said that passing the text would require the support of a small number of Republicans.
In the Senate, Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hinted at a parallel movement, with a vote expected in the coming days.
Similar measures have previously failed, as Republicans refuse to restrict the president's military powers despite signs of concern among them about U.S. involvement in the conflict.
The 1973 War Powers Act, enacted after the Vietnam War, authorizes Congress to vote on military engagements and sets a time limit for conflicts without authorization, not to exceed 60 days.
