The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to direct President Donald Trump to remove American forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran or obtain congressional approval to continue, marking the first time the chamber has passed such a measure during the four-month conflict.
Four Republicans joined all Democrats in the 215-208 passage of the War Powers Resolution, sending the measure to the Senate, The New York Times reported.
The resolution invokes the War Powers Resolution of 1973 to require the president to terminate U.S. engagement unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of force. House Republican leaders had postponed a similar vote two weeks earlier when passage appeared likely, per NPR.
Background and Timeline
The conflict, known as Operation Epic Fury, began on February 28, 2026, with U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leadership and nuclear sites. Trump announced the start of major combat operations in a video, citing Iran’s nuclear program and missile threats.
A Senate version advanced in May 2026 with a handful of GOP defections. In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson’s team delayed action in late May to avoid an immediate loss for the administration.
Key Details from the Vote
The four Republicans who supported the resolution were Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Tom Barrett, and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, noted MSNBC.
The resolution now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain.
