House GOP pulls Iran war resolution vote that appeared to have enough support to pass

Politics House Republicans pull vote on Iran war resolution that appeared to have enough support to pass May 22, 2026 / 12:34 AM EDT / CBS/AP Add CBS News on Google House Republicans on Thursday pulled a vote on a measure that would compel President Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran, delaying action on the issue as the Trump administration struggles to maintain congressional backing for the war.The House had scheduled a vote on a war powers resolution, brought by Democrats, that would rein in Mr. Trump's ability to wage war with Iran without congressional approval. But as it became clear that Republicans would not have the numbers to defeat the bill due to absences, GOP leaders declined to hold a vote on it. "We had the votes without question and they knew it, and as a result they're playing a political game," said Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, who sponsored the resolution and serves as the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.It was the latest sign of uncertain support in Congress for a war that Mr. Trump launched almost three months ago, though the U.S. and Iran remain in a shaky ceasefire that began in early April. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol on May 21, 2026. Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images Last week, the House narrowly rejected a war powers resolution in a 212-212 tie, after three Republicans voted in favor. Earlier this week, the Senate voted to advance an war powers resolution, with four GOP senators supporting the measure and three others absent. The successful vote marked only a first step in the Senate, but it still marked a milestone for Democrats after seven failed attempts to advance Iran-related measures.House Republican Leader Steve Scalise told reporters Thursday's vote was delayed to give lawmakers who were absent a chance to vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson did not answer questions from reporters as he exited the House cha...