House Democrats wanted to squeeze Republicans one more time before November’s midterm elections on the Iran war, and it worked.
They picked up three new Republican supporters as they forced a third successful vote Tuesday night on a war powers resolution to end the months-long conflict.
Two of those Republicans, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn of Iowa, are running for reelection against Democratic challengers in races that election analysts consider toss-ups.
Mr. Nunn, an Air Force veteran, said he cannot support another open-ended war.
“Iowa has already paid a devastating price, including two service members killed by an Iranian drone in Kuwait,” he said in a social media post.
“Congress owes them, their families, and every American in uniform clear objectives and constitutional oversight. With the negotiating window closed, sustained combat operations now require congressional authorization,” he said.
The third new GOP supporter, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, is not running for reelection, instead campaigning for governor of her state but losing in the Republican primary.
The war powers resolution passed, 220-204.
The House approved similar measures in June and July to force President Trump to terminate hostilities against Iran, absent congressional authorization.
Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Warren Davidson of Ohio have voted for all three resolutions because they believe Mr. Trump needs to ask Congress for authorization for use of military force against Iran.
The War Powers Act sets a 60-day deadline to obtain congressional approval for any prolonged armed conflict against a foreign nation.
The Trump administration and every previous White House all have dismissed the law as unconstitutional given the broad Article II authority given to the president as commander in chief.
Mr. Massie on Tuesday introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, one of which accuses him of waging an unauthorized war against Iran.
Senate Democrats are also planning to force another vote this week on their own war powers resolution. They have had one successful vote so far, but subsequently lost the support of Sen. Bill Cassidy, Louisiana Republican.
But Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who has voted against the previous war powers resolutions, told reporters Tuesday he will vote “yes” when the next measure comes up for a vote this week as a “pressure” tactic.
“It’s time to be clear on the strategic objectives and start measuring results,” he said. “That’s not something that we’ve had since they started the conflict.”
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.