WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – The House voted for the second time to limit President Trump’s ability to wage war, with four Republicans joining Democrats in the measure condemning the president’s war in Iran Thursday. The vote came Thursday as oil prices crossed $100 a barrel.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who forced the vote, said the number of Republicans who did not show up was telling.
“Look at the number of Republicans that didn’t show up for the vote. They did not. I believe they did not want to take a no — take a no vote and then have to go home to their constituents and explain to them why they voted no on ending this illegal war,” Jayapal said.
The vote is largely symbolic, but it carries weight as the House heads into August recess. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y) vowed to escalate the effort upon the chamber’s return.
“We should be suing the administration,” Meeks said.
The Senate voted on a similar resolution Thursday afternoon. It failed, with 49 senators voting against compared to 47 voting for the measure. It was a mostly party-line vote with Democrats supporting the resolution and Republicans opposing it. The only senators to buck their parties were Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) voted for it and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) voted against the resolution. Four Republican senators did not vote.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s position on Iran.
“Iran has spent the better part of 20 years not just sponsoring terrorism, but building long range rockets, short range missiles and drones,” Rubio said.
Oil prices ticked over $100 a barrel Thursday. Some experts believe $5 per-gallon gas is now on the horizon. The developments come with midterm elections approximately 100 days away.
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