Washington, June 4: The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan “War Powers Resolution” aimed at ending military action against Iran. This move is seen as a significant political setback for President Donald Trump, amid rising criticism of the ongoing conflict.
The resolution was introduced on Wednesday and received support from senior Democrats like Gregory Meeks, Adam Smith, and Jim Himes. It passed narrowly with a vote of 215 to 208.
Meeks described the passage as a pivotal moment, stating, “The approval of my War Powers Resolution is a crucial bipartisan opposition to President Trump’s illegal and costly war against Iran, marking the first step towards its complete termination.”
This vote indicates growing dissent in Congress regarding the war. Critics argue that the conflict has failed to achieve its stated objectives, while the economic and humanitarian costs have surged significantly.
Senior Democrat Adam Smith from the House Armed Services Committee emphasized, “Today’s vote sends a clear message that Trump must immediately end his chosen destructive war against Iran.”
He pointed out that the government has not met its goals, such as halting Iran’s nuclear program, removing highly enriched uranium, or instigating regime change.
“Instead, Iran has strengthened its position, spreading further instability in the region, and now we may need to pay Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which was previously open before Trump initiated this war,” Smith added.
Meeks also noted that the war has undermined diplomatic possibilities. “Trump’s war has completely failed to achieve its stated goals. In fact, it has moved us further away from a negotiated solution regarding Iran’s nuclear program.”
He stressed that the conflict has provided Iran an opportunity to showcase its power while increasing the economic burden on ordinary Americans. Since the war began, gas prices in the U.S. have risen by 50%, with citizens paying billions weekly for a conflict they largely oppose.
Representative Pramila Jayapal stated she was not present to vote in Washington D.C. due to her mother’s sudden health issue in India. She remarked, “Had I been in Washington, I would have voted in favor of the War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s illegal war against Iran.”
Jayapal asserted that the authority to declare war rests solely with Congress, labeling it a “war of choice.” She highlighted the adverse effects of this war on both America and the world, including American soldier casualties, civilian deaths in Iran and Lebanon, displacement, and economic losses. “The truth is, the American public is paying the price for this illegality,” she said.
“This war is a daily violation of the Constitution,” she added. Both Adam Smith and Gregory Meeks stated that this vote reflects the growing discontent among the public.
Meeks concluded, “Now it is the Senate’s turn to take action on this resolution and send a clear message to the President that enough is enough.”
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