The United States House of Representatives has passed a War Powers resolution designed to stop the military operations against Iran ordered by President Donald Trump without congressional authorisation.
This represents the third House vote on similar measures in recent weeks, with a limited number of Republican lawmakers joining their Democratic counterparts to approve the resolution by a vote of 220-204. While four Republicans supported earlier initiatives, that figure increased to seven in the latest vote.
The legislative initiative comes following the release of a newly published Congressional Budget Office report projecting that the conflict has cost more than $38 billion since its commencement in late February, with expenditures increasing by approximately $3 billion per month.
The report indicates that continued missile defence operations have substantially depleted United States interceptor reserves, a shortfall that could take several years to replenish.
Originating in the period following the Vietnam War, the War Powers Act requires the president to obtain congressional authorisation for extended military operations.
Although the United States Constitution designates the president as commander-in-chief, the law allows lawmakers to compel the withdrawal of armed forces, although any resulting legislation would almost certainly face a presidential veto.
US: More Republicans join as House of Reps passes resolution to end Iran war for third time