US House Rejects Measure to Withdraw Troops from Lebanon

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a draft resolution, framed under the War Powers Act, that would have required the government to withdraw American troops from any combat operations in Lebanon without congressional approval.

The measure failed to pass, with 324 votes against, 92 in favor, and two abstentions. Among the opposition, 207 Republican representatives, 117 Democratic representatives, and one independent representative voted against the resolution. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the sole Republican to vote in favor of the measure. Representatives Betty McCollum and Derek Tran, both Democrats, registered as “present.”

The resolution was introduced by Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib. Its text emphasized that the U.S. Congress had not issued a declaration of war and had not provided specific legal authorization for the participation of U.S. forces in Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Tlaib also posted on the social media platform X, referencing civilian casualties in Lebanon and calling for an end to bombardments, stating that the Israeli regime had expanded its attacks in various parts of Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement.

In response, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and several other Democratic leaders issued a statement asserting that currently, no U.S. armed forces are directly participating in combat operations in Lebanon. They further emphasized that any review of War Powers regarding Lebanon should be conducted through a different proposal that accounts for the withdrawal of U.S. forces engaged in combat operations, while excluding security cooperation with the Lebanese army and the protection of U.S. diplomatic sites.

This vote occurred one day after the U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution aimed at limiting any military action by the U.S. government against Iran.