The US House of Representatives unexpectedly canceled a vote on a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's authority to wage war. The measure, proposed by Representative Gregory Meeks, a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was scheduled for a vote on 21/5.

The resolution called for President Trump to withdraw US forces from Iran, with the exception of "units that may be necessary to protect the US or its allies and partners from imminent attack." House Speaker Mike Johnson suspended the vote just hours before it was set to begin. This decision came amid concerns that Republicans lacked sufficient members present to secure a win.

Representative Meeks strongly criticized the suspension, linking it to broader economic issues. "Gas and food prices are rising," Meeks stated. "We pushed for a vote on a war of the President's own choosing, and it would have passed. We definitely have the votes, and they know it. So they're playing politics, cheating, and delaying the vote."

Representative Gregory Meeks at a congressional hearing on 4/2. Photo: AFP

Meeks had earlier accused Speaker Johnson of deliberately delaying the vote. He added that the political maneuver was likely influenced by public sentiment. "Many of my Republican colleagues are feeling pressure from constituents back home, as people face rising food and gas prices."

Democrats have consistently sought to restrict President Trump's war-making authority in both the House and Senate. This ongoing effort has recently gained additional support from some Republican lawmakers, signaling a bipartisan concern over presidential military actions.

Representative Jim McGovern echoed Meeks' frustration, questioning "what is happening" with the resolution on Trump's war powers. He demanded, "Are we not voting, even as the American people are fed up with an illegal war costing tens of billions of USD? Gas prices are soaring. People cannot even afford food. Yet you pull the bill? Do you lack the courage or conviction to vote?"

Meeks indicated that the vote is now expected to take place in early June, when the House returns to work after the Memorial Day holiday, a day honoring fallen US service members.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson at a press conference on Capitol Hill on 20/5. Photo: AFP

The House's decision to cancel the vote follows a similar development in the Senate earlier this week. The US Senate also advanced a comparable resolution aimed at restricting Trump's ability to take military action against Iran without explicit congressional approval. This resolution passed a crucial procedural vote in the Senate after seven previous failures and is now moving to debate, with a conclusion expected in the coming weeks.

The cancellation of the House vote also occurred after President Trump stated earlier this week that he believed the Iran campaign had public support. He argued, "Look, everyone says the war is unpopular, but I think it's very popular when people understand that this involves nuclear weapons, weapons that could wipe out Los Angeles or major cities in a very short time."

However, a recent CNN poll appears to contradict the President's assertion. The survey showed 77% of Americans, including a majority of Republican voters, believe President Trump's policies have increased the cost of living in their communities.

By Huyen Le (CNN, NBC News)