House Democratic leaders opposed a resolution offered by a member of their own caucus that would have limited the Trump administration’s military options in Lebanon — showcasing long-simmering friction between top Democrats and progressives over conflict in the Middle East.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) forced a vote Thursday afternoon on a war powers resolution to rein in the Trump administration in Lebanon, where Israel has attacked Hezbollah. The resolution — which would have forced U.S. troops out of Lebanon in seven days — failed 91 to 324.
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (D-Texas) was among those backing Tlaib’s effort. But in a joint statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California said the fact that there are currently no U.S. servicemembers involved in combat operations or hostilities in Lebanon gave them pause.
The three House Democratic leaders said they would work with Tlaib on new legislation to more effectively keep U.S. troops out of Lebanon, and that they “stand with the Lebanese people, the government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces in their efforts to live peacefully and defeat Hezbollah.”
They added that they also oppose “any effort by the Trump administration to entangle the United States in a war in Lebanon.”
All but one Republican opposed the measure, with interparty tensions flaring Wednesday during floor debate as Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) accused Tlaib of “advocating for terrorists.”
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) who was presiding, struck Miller’s comments from the official record after an hourslong stand-off.
