April 9 (UPI) -- An effort by House Democrats to limit President Donald Trump's war powers was stymied by Republicans on Thursday in a swift pro forma session that denied even a debate.
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R.-N.J., serving as speaker pro tempore of the House, gaveled in the quick session, ignored an attempt by U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., to introduce a resolution to limit military operations conducted by the White House and then gaveled the session out, NBC News and The Hill reported.
Pro forma sessions are held, generally without any legislation being considered, to satisfy the constitutional requirement that neither house of Congress adjourn for more than three days without the other agreeing to do so -- often to prevent recess appointments by the executive branch.
The session comes as Republicans have slowly aired concerns about the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, including what has been defined as a fragile cease-fire that was expected to include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has failed at both ending airstrikes and opening the crucial trading route.
A two-week cease-fire was announced on Tuesday by President Donald Trump and the White House, but little changing on the ground -- including Israel's continued airstrikes in Lebanon -- has motivated some members of Congress to push for the war powers vote.
