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Republican legislators faced challenges on Thursday in securing the necessary votes to block a bill requiring US President Donald Trump to end the conflict with Iran, pushing scheduled votes on the issue to June.

The U.S. House of Representatives had planned a vote on a war powers resolution, introduced by Democrats, aimed at limiting Trump’s military actions. However, when it became evident that Republicans lacked the necessary support to block the measure, Republican lawmakers decided not to proceed with the vote.

It marked the most recent indication of declining backing in Congress for the conflict that Trump initiated over two months ago alongside Israel, without securing legislative approval.

“We had the votes without any doubt, and they were aware of that, so they’re engaging in a political maneuver,” said Democratic representative Gregory Meeks, who introduced the bill.

Senate Republicans are also striving to secure enough support to block another war powers resolution that reached a final vote this week, with four Republican senators backing the measure and three others not present during the vote.

The moves made by congressional leaders indicate that Republicans are finding it difficult to keep political support for Trump’s management of the war. Ordinary Republicans are becoming more open to going against the president regarding the conflict, which was initially expected to last only a few weeks, but is now approaching three months with no immediate resolution in sight.

House Republican Leader Steve Scalise informed reporters that the vote was postponed to allow absent lawmakers an opportunity to cast their votes. House Speaker Mike Johnson remained silent when approached by reporters as he left the lower house of Congress.

Tension escalates on Capitol Hill regarding the conflict

At Capitol Hill, tolerance for the conflict has diminished as the deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz keeps affecting international shipping and causes oil prices to rise in the United States. A new House war powers resolution almost passed last week, ending in a tie vote with three Republicans supporting the process.

Meeks, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that he had secured the necessary support “this time around.”

“Individuals are starting to truly hear the American public that opposes the conflict in Iran, and I believe there is an increasing number of Republicans who recognize the harm the war has caused our nation,” stated Democratic representative Adam Smith from Washington state.

The single Democratic representative who opposed the war powers resolution last week, Representative Jared Golden from Maine, has stated he will support the bill in the future, resulting in a unified stance among Democrats in their resistance.

In a shared statement, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and other party officials claimed that Republicans were “cowardly” for withdrawing the vote.

“Although we are getting ready to honor our country’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day, House Republicans are refusing to attend and take responsibility for the brave military personnel who have been unnecessarily placed in danger,” they added.

War Powers Resolution

Most Republicans have shown general support for Trump’s actions aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, although a few are now claiming that the president’s legal authority to conduct a war without seeking congressional approval has ended.

According to the 1973 War Powers Act, presidents are given 60 days to participate in a military action before Congress is required to either declare war or approve the use of armed forces.

“It has surpassed 60 days, so it must be brought to us for a vote. We are adhering to the law,” stated Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, who mentioned his intention to support the war powers resolution.

The White House claims that the provisions of the War Powers Resolution are no longer applicable due to the truce with Iran, which has been in place since April 8.

Nevertheless, Trump stated on social media that military officials need to “be ready to carry out a full, large-scale attack on Iran at a moment’s notice, should an acceptable agreement not be finalized.” Trump has consistently established deadlines for Tehran and subsequently withdrawn.