US Congress rejects ending Trump’s Iran war, but also refuses to authorize it

WASHINGTON — On July 23, the US House of Representatives voted 214-208 to order President Donald Trump to remove American forces from hostilities with Iran—unless Congress first approves the military action. Hours later, the Senate rejected a motion to bring a similar war powers resolution out of committee. The vote was 47-49. The Senate did not authorize the war. It did not even vote on the resolution itself. The result is a stalemate. Congress has neither formally approved the conflict nor taken steps to end it. War powers resolutions are legal tools that allow Congress to direct the president to withdraw troops from unauthorized hostilities. The House version passed with a narrow majority. But the Senate’s refusal to advance the measure means the issue remains unresolved. The votes highlight a deep division in Washington over the use of military force against Iran. Lawmakers remain split on whether the president has the authority to continue operations without explicit congressional approval.