US House rejects bid to curb Trump's Iran war powers

Washington D.C.: The US House of Representatives has rejected a Democratic-led resolution seeking to curb President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran, as concerns mount in Congress over the cost and scope of the ongoing conflict.

The vote, pushed to the floor by Democrats, reflected rising unease on Capitol Hill over the six-week war, with lawmakers questioning its financial burden, unclear objectives and the risk of a wider regional escalation.

What the resolution sought

The measure would have required Trump to end US military action against Tehran unless explicitly authorised by Congress, invoking the War Powers Resolution, which limits a president’s ability to engage in prolonged hostilities without legislative approval.

Democrats argue that the administration entered the conflict alongside Israel on February 28 without constitutionally mandated authorisation from Congress, which holds the sole power to declare war.

Vote largely along party lines
The resolution failed largely along party lines, though there were minor crossovers. One Republican backed the measure, another abstained, and one Democrat voted against it.

Despite narrowing the margin compared to a similar failed vote in March, Democrats were unable to secure enough Republican support to pass the measure.

Rising concerns over cost and strategy
The vote comes amid growing frustration among lawmakers over the administration’s reluctance to disclose the financial and military costs of the war.

At recent congressional hearings, White House budget director Russ Vought declined to provide a cost estimate and did not confirm a figure of around $50 billion cited by Senator Jeff Merkley.

Democratic leaders have also warned about the daily financial burden, with estimates suggesting the war could be costing up to $2 billion per day.