War Powers Resolution: Tom Barrett, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick, And Thomas Massie: The Four Republican Defectors Who Crossed The Aisle And Sent A Message That Will Now Face A Near-Certain Presidential Veto
According to Al Jazeera, the US House of Representatives passed a War Powers Resolution on Wednesday by 215 votes to 208 to force President Donald Trump to seek congressional authorisation for his military operations against Iran.
Four Republicans; Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky broke with their party to join unanimous Democratic support and pass the bill. All House Democrats voted in favour.
The vote marks the fourth time this year the House has voted on a war powers resolution targeting Trump’s Iran conflict, which began on February 28 and reaches its 100th day on Saturday. Trump did not seek congressional authorisation before launching the war, repeatedly calling it a “skirmish.” The Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the sole power to declare war.
The resolution faces a near-certain presidential veto and the Senate must still act. Massie who co-sponsored the resolution and was defeated in his local Republican primary last month by a Trump-backed opponent, wrote: “The People’s House is sending a message: end this war.” The previous House vote was cancelled on May 21 when Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the chamber early to prevent the resolution from passing.
To check out our previous coverage on US-Iran conflict and American politics, read our articles here.
