Iran war powers vote plans collapsed Thursday after US House Republican leaders cancelled a resolution that sought to limit President Donald Trump’s military action in Iran.
The vote had been scheduled before lawmakers left Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day recess. Democrats said Republican leaders delayed it because the measure appeared likely to pass.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said supporters “had the votes without question.” Republican leaders delayed the vote until early June, he said.
The resolution would require Trump to end US involvement in the Iran war unless Congress authorises force.
Democrats and some Republicans say the US Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to declare war.
Read: House Iran War Vote Fails on 212-212 Tie
The Senate advanced a similar Iran war powers vote this week by 50 to 47, with several Republicans joining Democrats.
Most House Republicans and the White House say Trump acted lawfully as commander-in-chief. They argue the military campaign targeted imminent threats.