Trump vs. Pelosi: House To Vote To Limit Trump's War Powers

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday scheduled a vote on limiting President Trump’s ability to take future military action without congressional approval.

Pelosi said the House would vote Thursday on a new war powers resolution following last week’s targeted drone strike against Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleiman that raised tensions in the Middle East and threatened to trigger war with Tehran.

“Last week, the Trump administration conducted a provocative and disproportionate military airstrike targeting high-level Iranian military officials,” Pelosi said in a statement. “The administration took this action without consulting Congress. This action endangered our servicemembers, diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran. Since then, the President has made clear that he does not have a coherent strategy to keep the American people safe, achieve de-escalation with Iran and ensure stability in the region.”

The administration said it took the action to prevent imminent attacks being planned by Soleimani, who headed Iran’s Quds Force, against U.S. diplomats and military personnel, but had yet to reveal any evidence to lawmakers. In retaliation, Iran fired a barrage of missiles against to military bases in Iraq housing U.S. personnel, causing no casualties and little damage.

Pelosi said the House will vote on repealing the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force, which gave then President George W. Bush the power to invade Iraq, and on another measure that prohibit funding military action against Iran without specific congressional authorization.

“The administration must work with the Congress to advance an immediate, effective de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence. America and the world cannot afford war,” Pelosi said.

Trump indicated he planned no further military action against Tehran in retaliation for the missile strikes and instead said new economic sanctions would be imposed. He vowed, however, he would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons and called on NATO allies to help prevent Iran from destabilizing the Middle East.