Republicans Cancel Vote On Iran War Powers To Limit Trump War Authority

Last Updated:May 22, 2026, 5:10 PM IST

The vote had been scheduled to take place late Thursday afternoon, just before lawmakers left Washington for their Memorial Day recess.

Donald Trump hints a 14 billion Taiwan arms sale may be used as leverage with China, alarming Taipei, while also pressing Taiwan chip makers to shift production to the US. (Image: AP)

House Republicans has cancelled a scheduled vote on a war powers resolution that aimed to restrict US military action in Iran unless President Donald Trump secures approval from Congress. The decision came just days after a similar measure cleared a key step in the US Senate.

The vote had been set for late Thursday afternoon, shortly before lawmakers left Washington for the Memorial Day recess. Republican leaders in the House said the measure would now be delayed until early June.

The resolution had already cleared three earlier attempts this year, where Republicans largely voted in unity to block it. However, support has gradually shifted in recent weeks, with earlier votes narrowing sharply, including one that ended in a tie.

With several Republicans expected to break ranks and some absences likely, the latest version was seen as having a strong chance of passing.

Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Republicans moved to avoid defeat. “We had the votes without question, and they knew it,” he told reporters after the cancellation.

Debate Over War Powers

Democrats, along with a small group of Republicans, argue that Trump must seek congressional approval for continued military action. They point to the US Constitution, which gives Congress the power to declare war, and warn that the current strikes risk drawing the country into a longer conflict without a clear strategy.

The White House and most Republicans maintain that the president is acting within his authority as commander-in-chief, saying limited military operations are needed to counter immediate threats.

On Tuesday, the Senate moved forward a separate war powers resolution in a narrow 50–47 vote. The result marked a rare split within Republican ranks, with four GOP senators joining Democrats in support, while three senators were absent.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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