The US House of Representatives has approved a largely symbolic resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump's ability to make war on Iran.

The measure passed the Democratic-run chamber 224-194, but faces an uphill climb in the Republican-held Senate.

It aims to mandate congressional approval for any conflict with Iran, except in cases of an imminent attack against the US.

Neither the US nor Iran has declared plans for further military action.

Iran this week fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing American forces, injuring no-one, after the US last week killed a senior Iranian commander in a Baghdad drone strike.

Thursday's measure directed the president to "terminate the use of United States Armed Forces" against Iran unless granted congressional authorisation.

It offered an exception when necessary to "defend against an imminent armed attack".

Analysis: Is there more to come from Iran?
Explained: A quick guide to the story so far
Even if the House measure cleared Congress, it would not face a potential Trump veto because it is known as a concurrent resolution, which does not require a presidential signature.

The proposal cited the 1973 War Powers Act, which granted Congress the ability to check the president's power to commit the US to armed conflict.

The war powers resolution gathered momentum after a congressional briefing on Wednesday by administration officials seeking to justify the attack.

https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-us-canada-51053200

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1113006

House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi scheduled the House vote after Iran retaliated for the Soleimani killing by launching missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops. No casualties were reported.
President Donald Trump did not consult with congressional leaders ahead of the attack that killed the Iranian general and afterward sent Congress a notification explaining the rationale, but kept it classified.

The measure introduced by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., is a concurrent resolution — meaning the president cannot veto it and it does not carry the force of law.
Even so, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters Thursday that it has "real teeth" to check the president.

Pelosi, in announcing the House vote, called the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani “provocative and disproportionate.”

The measure will “protect American lives and values” by limiting Trump’s military actions, Pelosi said. “The administration must de-escalate and must prevent further violence.”

The House passed the measure, 224-194, with almost no Republican support.

https://www.cnn.com/cnn/2020/01/09/politics/house-vote-war-powers-resolution-iran/index.html

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2020/01/09/house-passes-war-powers-resolution-to-limit-trump-in-iran.html

https://www.fortune.com/2020/01/09/what-is-war-powers-resolution/amp/

Meanwhile President Trump reacted to the votes before and after the resolution was passed, via his Twitter handle.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1215454244519718912?s=19


cc; Lalasticlala, Mynd44, mukina2, HumbledbYGrace, OAM4J

A

Pelosi and her politics of bitterness.

Nancy Pelosi no go kill person
Dis woman don do Trump something for this life, dat Trump ruggedness, she don cut am to size

Before you Trumpanians quote me...

"Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution, sometimes referred to as the War Powers Clause, vests in the Congress the power to declare war, in the following wording: [The Congress shall have Power ...]"

PointZerom:
Pelosi and her politics of bitterness.

The United States doesn't run on dictatorship, that's why the Congress is there