US House of Representatives Strikes at Trump’s Powers: Landmark Resolution Passed to Curb War Authority Against Iran

Special Report by Pakistan Times Live

Washington DC: June 04, 2026

In a major political blow to President Donald Trump, the US House of Representatives passed a crucial resolution on Wednesday to limit the president’s authority to launch military strikes against Iran without congressional approval. The bill was approved by 215 votes to 208, with four Republican lawmakers breaking party lines and joining Democrats in a rare show of defiance.

This resolution is a direct expression of Congress’s deep frustration over Trump’s decision to attack Iran alongside Israel on February 28. The conflict has now entered its 100th day, with Trump consistently labeling it a “skirmish” or a “short-term operation” to evade constitutional checks — despite the fact that only Congress has the power to declare war.

Notably, this was the fourth time this year that the House voted on such a war powers resolution, but the first time it has succeeded. House Speaker Mike Johnson, considered a close ally of Trump, tried his best to block the bill but ultimately failed. The four Republicans who voted in favor — Tom Barrett, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Thomas Massie — have delivered a sharp rebuke to the White House.

Democratic leaders have now urged the Senate to swiftly ratify the measure. “Declaring war is not the executive branch’s personal playground; it is Congress’s constitutional right,” they said. Meanwhile, the White House has called the resolution “unconstitutional” and threatened a veto.

The war against Iran is proving devastating for the United States — not just politically but economically as well. According to Pentagon estimates, $29 billion have already been spent, and experts warn that if the conflict continues, the final cost could exceed $1 trillion. Key American weapons systems, including Tomahawk missiles and the advanced THAAD defense system, are dangerously depleted.

Public opinion is also rapidly turning against Trump. A recent survey shows that 61 percent of Americans consider this war harmful to US interests. Soaring fuel prices and rising costs of essential goods have sparked widespread anger across the country.

The resolution will now head to the Senate. However, given Trump’s veto threat, it will require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to become law — a highly unlikely scenario in the current political climate. Still, the passage of this resolution itself sends a powerful message: Trump’s war policies are no longer tolerable to Congress.

Pakistan Times Live Analysis: The coming days will witness intense political wrangling in the Senate. This new challenge could prove to be one of the biggest tests of Trump’s presidency.