Congress Votes to Limit Trump's Authority Over Iran Military Action

In a close and divisive vote, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly turned back a bipartisan effort to restrict President Trump's authority to order military action against Iran without congressional approval. The measure, introduced by Democratic Representative Eliot L. Engel of New York, sought to force the president to obtain explicit authorization from Congress before engaging in further hostilities with Iran.

The vote highlighted the ongoing debate over war powers and the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches when it comes to matters of national security and foreign policy. Supporters of the resolution argued that it was necessary to reassert Congress's constitutional role in deciding when the country goes to war, while opponents claimed it would undermine the president's ability to protect American interests and respond to threats.

Despite opposition from the White House and Republican leadership, the measure passed with the support of two Republican lawmakers, including Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Massie, who has a reputation as a staunch libertarian and critic of U.S. military interventionism, was one of the few Republicans to break ranks and back the resolution.