Following the latest incident involving the U.S. assassination of Iran’s top general, Soleimani, and Iran’s retaliation with the bombing of U.S. air bases in Iraq, and the shooting down of a Ukrainian aircraft carrying 176 people on board, all of whom were confirmed dead.

House Democrats approved a largely symbolic resolution on Thursday that aims to curtail President Donald Trump’s ability to increase hostilities with Iran, a move that comes amid widespread criticism of Trump’s decision to order an air strike last week killing top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

• The measure demands Trump to cease all military actions in Iran within 30 days unless approved by Congress or in the event of an imminent armed attack against U.S. personnel.
• The resolution is non-binding, meaning that it will not go to Trump’s desk for a signature. “This is a statement of the Congress of the United States. I will not have that statement diminished by having the president veto it or not,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
• Three Republicans broke with their party to support the measure. GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who voted for the bill, said, “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.” GOP Reps. Francis Rooney of Florida and Thomas Massie of Kentucky also voted for the resolution.
• Eight Democrats voted against the measure, Politico reported.
• House Democrats say the measure is necessary after expressing concern the U.S. may be pulled into war with Iran without Congressional approval. Democrats have also said they are skeptical of the White House’s rationale for killing Soleimani and are frustrated that administration officials aren’t sharing more information about the intelligence underpinning the decision.
• Meanwhile, Republicans have largely supported Trump and framed the resolution as a political move that will undermine Trump’s ability to fight terrorism.

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