The US Congress was divided over President Donald Trump's powers in the Iran war, after the House of Representatives approved a bill requiring any new military action to be approved by the legislative branch, before the Senate blocked a similar resolution introduced by Democrats to halt combat operations until Congress authorizes.

The House of Representatives voted 214-208 in favor of the resolution, after four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting it.

But later, the Senate blocked a similar measure, after voting 49-47 on Thursday against proceeding with a resolution introduced by Democrats that aimed to stop the war on Iran unless Congress grants authorization for the use of military force. The vote reflects the ongoing division within Congress and growing concern even among some pro-Trump Republicans about the course of the war.

Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, who led the bill, said the war is proceeding 'without a clear mission, strategy, or end goal.'

In contrast, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Republican Brian Mast defended the military operations, reciting the names of 18 US service members killed since the outbreak of the war, saying that downplaying the mission diminishes their sacrifice.

The committee's top Democrat, Gregory Meeks, said presidents are obligated to present war justifications to Congress, noting that the administration has not obtained authorization for the use of military force against Iran.

The previous day, the House of Representatives approved a Republican budget framework of $95 billion by a vote of 216-214, to be sent to the Senate. The bill allocates $73 billion to the Department of Defense (Pentagon) and intelligence agencies, mostly to fund operations related to the war against Iran, plus $12 billion to support farmers affected by the trade war, and $10 billion for election programs. The House also approved the annual defense policy bill that authorizes a record Pentagon budget of $1.15 trillion.

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