On the cusp of reining in Trump, House Republicans cancel war powers vote

The Republican-led House of Representatives on Thursday unexpectedly cancelled a war powers vote that could have reined in US President Donald Trump's ability to resume hostilities against Iran. 

It was to be the fourth attempt under the 1973 War Powers Act since February.

The vote was scheduled to be among the last on the agenda before lawmakers went away for the extended Memorial Day holiday - and it was likely to be a successful one, given a similar vote held just a week ago came down to a 212-212 tie, when three Republicans joined Democrats in support of asserting congressional authority over war. 

"We had the votes to pass it today. Every Democrat was on board. We had the sufficient number of Republicans on board,” Congressman Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters on Thursday. 

"Republicans pulled this vote because they knew they were going to lose it. They know this war is a political and strategic disaster," he added. 

Read more: On the cusp of reining in Trump, House Republicans cancel war powers vote