The House approved an Iran war powers resolution Tuesday, with seven Republicans joining Democrats to restrict continued military action.
The 220–204 vote on September 15 marked the third time the chamber has backed a measure seeking to halt U.S. hostilities against Iran without congressional authorization, according to The Associated Press.
The vote does not itself end the war. None of the earlier resolutions has reached President Donald Trump’s desk, and the administration continues to oppose congressional efforts to restrict the campaign.
More Republicans Support Restrictions
Seven Republicans supported the resolution, up from four in the previous House votes. Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa and Nancy Mace of South Carolina joined Tom Barrett, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick and Thomas Massie.
Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran who served in Iraq, pushed the measure. He argued that Congress must question the administration’s handling of a conflict that has continued far beyond Trump’s initial predictions.
Republican Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, opposed the effort. He argued that Iran remains a threat and defended the administration’s military campaign.
War Costs Reach About $38 Billion
The vote came as a new Congressional Budget Office estimate put the cost of the conflict at approximately $38 billion through August 1, according to Reuters reporting on the analysis.
Replacing weapons accounts for much of that expense. The budget office estimated that replenishing depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles could take five years.
The estimate also leaves out borrowing costs associated with financing the war, meaning the eventual financial burden could be higher.
Congressional Fight Remains Unresolved
The latest vote follows House efforts in June and July. The Senate also previously approved a war powers measure before reversing course the following day.
With lawmakers preparing to campaign ahead of November’s midterm elections, the conflict has become an election issue alongside fuel prices and broader living costs.
For now, the House vote demonstrates growing opposition within Congress, but it has not produced an enforceable end to U.S. military operations.