Fresh push in US Congress to curb Trump's war powers against Iran

WASHINGTON: Democratic lawmakers in both chambers of the United States Congress have launched renewed efforts to restrict President Donald Trump's authority to wage war against Iran, seeking to force a vote on ending US involvement in hostilities that have not been authorised by Congress.

In the House of Representatives, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that Democrats would soon introduce another war powers resolution aimed at halting what he has repeatedly characterised as a "reckless war of choice."

"I would focus right now on stopping this reckless war of choice and we will bring another war powers resolution to do just that," Mr Jeffries said.

The Democratic leader expressed confidence in garnering significant support from within his party's ranks, noting that even some members who had previously voted against such a resolution might now back the latest effort.

"I expect strong Democratic support for that resolution, including among some who previously may have voted against it earlier in this war. And all we need is a few Republicans to join us. So, we can stand up for the American people who are overwhelmingly opposed to Donald Trump's reckless war of choice," Mr Jeffries said.

The fresh legislative push comes after a similar war powers resolution introduced in early March was defeated by a narrow margin, with at least four Democrats having voted against it at the time.

Bipartisan battle over war authority

The ongoing tussle between Congress and the White House over war-making authority reflects a broader debate about the constitutional balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of the US government. Democrats have argued that the president does not have the legal authority to wage a prolonged military campaign against Iran without explicit congressional approval.

Mr Jeffries' remarks suggest that Democrats believe the political landscape has shifted since the earlier vote, with growing public opposition to the conflict potentially swaying lawmakers who had previously been reluctant to challenge the administration's military actions.

The efforts are being pursued simultaneously in both the House and the Senate, indicating a coordinated strategy by Democratic leadership to apply pressure on the Trump administration from multiple fronts within the legislature.

For the resolution to succeed in the House, Democrats would need to secure support from a handful of Republican members willing to cross party lines, given that they are currently in the minority. The narrow defeat of the March resolution suggests that the margin for passage remains slim but potentially achievable if Democratic unity improves and bipartisan support materialises.