A small pack of House Democrats voted against a nonbinding resolution to curb President Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran.
The measure, which directs Trump “pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran,” passed in a 224-194 vote on Thursday.
The resolution will not reach the president’s desk, but it sent a signal that Democrats lack confidence in Trump’s actions against Iran, specifically his decision to kill Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike last week.
Eight Democrats broke ranks and voted against it:
- Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey
- Kendra Horn of Oklahoma
- Joe Cunningham of South Carolina
- Elaine Luria of Virginia
- Ben McAdams of Utah
- Stephanie Murphy of Florida
- Anthony Brindisi and Max Rose of New York
In a statement, Murphy, a second-term congressman, said, “I am not prepared to unduly limit our nation’s ability to respond to different contingencies that may arise.”
Luria, who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said, “I voted against this resolution because if we must commit our forces to sustained combat operations to protect our nation, Congress has the duty to take on the more urgent task of debating a new AUMF.”
Three Republicans voted with the majority of Democrats in favor of the resolution:
- Matt Gaetz of Florida
- Thomas Massie of Kentucky
- Francis Rooney of Florida
“If we go to war, it needs to be with the blessing and the support of the people and a clear mission that our soldiers can accomplish. We do that by following the vision of our Founding Fathers — we debate it on the floor of the House,” Massie said on the House floor.
Gaetz said he spoke to Trump before the vote. “I think he would’ve preferred I voted differently, but he understands my principled view on this subject,” he said.
I represent more troops than any other member of this body. I buried one of them earlier today at Arlington.
If our servicemembers have the courage to fight and die in these wars, Congress ought to have the courage to vote for or against them.
I’m voting for this resolution. pic.twitter.com/cSCBG7CmIm
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 9, 2020
One independent, former Republican Justin Amash, voted in favor of the measure. Last month, he voted in favor of the House Democrats’ two articles of impeachment against Trump.
Thirteen lawmakers did not vote.
