US lawmakers plan Iran war powers vote as Trump weighs strikes

(Reuters) WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress could vote as soon as next week on whether to block President Donald ‌Trump's ability to strike Iran without lawmakers' approval, as the U.S. ‌military prepares for a potential serious conflict with Iran if diplomatic efforts fail.

Members of Congress, including ​a few of Trump's fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, have tried - and failed - repeatedly to pass resolutions that would bar Trump from military action against foreign governments without lawmakers' approval.

The U.S. Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the power to ‌send U.S. troops to ⁠war, except for limited strikes for national security reasons. Reuters reported last week that the military is preparing for the possibility ⁠of sustained, weeks-long operations if Trump orders an attack.

Trump's Republicans hold slim majorities in both the Senate and House and have blocked the resolutions, arguing that Congress ​should not ​restrict Trump's national security powers.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/us-lawmakers-plan-iran-war-185303402.html