House Republicans shut down a Democratic attempt Thursday to pass a war powers resolution that would restrict President Trump's ability to unilaterally launch military action against Iran.
The measure stood little chance of becoming law. Even if it cleared the House, it would face a steep climb in the Republican-controlled Senate and almost certainly meet a presidential veto. Still, Democrats viewed the vote as critical political theater, a chance to demonstrate to constituents that they were deploying every available legislative tactic to prevent escalation.
Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland approached the presiding officer during a brief pro forma session Thursday morning to request unanimous consent for a vote on the Iran resolution. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, who was chairing the session, declined to entertain the request and immediately adjourned the House.
The move forestalled the immediate vote, but Democrats signaled they will not abandon the effort. Rep. Sara Jacobs of California told reporters the party plans to invoke war powers privilege when the chamber returns next week, a procedural maneuver that would force a formal vote on the resolution regardless of Republican opposition.
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