House blocks Iran war powers

The resolution aimed to force the administration to seek congressional authorization for continued military operations in the Middle East.

Republican leaders successfully kept party defections to a minimum, arguing that reining in the president would undermine ongoing peace negotiations.

Democrats expressed deep concern over the constitutional precedent of a president waging war without a formal declaration.

The vote occurred just as the administration announced a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which some GOP lawmakers cited as evidence that the current strategy is working.