Democrats accused Republicans of cowardice for postponing the vote on Trump's military powers resolution until next month. They insist it was done for the absent lawmakers.
The adoption of a resolution obliging U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war with Iran has been postponed to June, after Republican leaders in the House of Representatives refused to hold a vote on the document.
The House of Representatives had planned to make a decision on the resolution introduced by Democrats, but when it became clear that Republicans would not have enough votes to reject it, the Republican leadership declined to bring it to a vote.
This has become yet another indication that support for the war, which Trump began over two months ago in conjunction with Israel without the approval of lawmakers, is weakening in Congress.
"We undoubtedly had the votes, and they knew it, and now they are playing political games," said Democratic bill author Gregory Meeks.
Senate Republicans are also trying to gather enough votes to reject another resolution on military powers, which went to a final vote earlier this week when four Republican senators supported the document, while three others were absent.
The actions of the Congressional leadership have shown that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Republicans to maintain political support for how Trump is conducting the war. Rank-and-file Republicans are increasingly willing to go against the president due to a conflict that was initially supposed to last only a few weeks but has now continued for almost three months.
House Republican leader Steve Scalise told reporters that the vote was postponed to allow absent congressmen to participate. House Speaker Mike Johnson did not respond to reporters' questions as he left the lower chamber of Congress.
Frustration Grows on Capitol Hill Over the War
Frustration regarding the war is running high on Capitol Hill: the prolonged stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz continues to negatively impact global shipping and push up oil prices in the U.S. Another House resolution on military powers nearly passed last week: the vote ended in a tie, with three Republicans supporting the initiative.
According to Meeks, the head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, this time he has "ironclad" secured the necessary number of votes.
"People are finally starting to listen to Americans who do not support the war with Iran, and in my view, more and more Republicans are realizing how destructive it has become for our country," said Democrat Adam Smith.
Resolution on Military Powers
Overall, Republicans have supported Trump's military actions aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities, but some are now stating that the legally established timeframe for the president to conduct war without Congressional approval has expired.
According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president can engage in military conflict for 60 days without Congressional approval, after which lawmakers must either declare war or authorize the use of military force.
"The 60-day period has already passed, so the issue must be put to a vote. We are acting within the law," said Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, adding that he intends to vote for the military powers resolution.
The White House claims that the requirements of the War Powers Resolution are no longer applicable due to the ceasefire regime with Iran, which has been in effect since April 8.
Nevertheless, Trump stated on social media that military leadership must "be ready at any moment to launch a full-scale offensive against Iran if an 'acceptable deal' is not reached." Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran but has then backed away from them.
