7 House Republicans Defect to Curb Trump's Iran War Powers

House Republicans didn't form a stampede, but a small group just told President Trump "not so fast" on the Iran war. Seven GOP lawmakers joined all 213 voting Democrats late Tuesday to pass a measure curbing Trump's authority to keep US forces engaged in Iran, approving the war powers resolution in a 220-204 vote, reports Fox News. Backers, including Republican Reps. Tom Barrett, Thomas Massie (who lost his primary and has been busy lately), and Nancy Mace, argue Congress—not the White House—must sign off on prolonged military action, saying the 1973 War Powers Act clock has run out.

Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks joined the defectors, notes the Wall Street Journal, with both facing tight races in their Iowa districts as the Hawkeye State becomes "an unexpected battleground state" as its farm economy struggles with Trump's tariffs and war-driven increases in the cost of gas, diesel, and fertilizer. Warren Davidson of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania round out the list of Republicans who voted in favor, per Fox. Most Republicans still back Trump, who insists he's operating within his constitutional role and needs flexibility to protect US troops and interests. The Senate passed a similar measure in June, but Trump has signaled he'd veto any such curb that reaches his desk.