House Rejects Measure to Restrict U.S. Military Role in Lebanon

The House of Representatives rejected a measure that would have barred U.S. forces from engaging in any hostilities in Lebanon. The resolution failed in a bipartisan vote of 189-235 on Tuesday. Twenty-two Democrats joined nearly all Republicans in opposing it.

Vote Details and Sponsors Rep.

Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., introduced the concurrent resolution, which is largely symbolic and would not have gone to the president for signature or veto. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., were the only Republicans to support the measure. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., led most Democrats in voting against the resolution.

, said during floor debate that no U.S. combat forces are conducting operations or engaged in hostilities in Lebanon. Mast stated that U.S. personnel are training the Lebanese Armed Forces because Hezbollah has an estimated 40,000 fighters targeting Israel.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., said the resolution would keep the United States out of another forever war that is not in the national interest. Tlaib previously forced a vote on a broader Lebanon war powers resolution earlier this month that critics said would have required U.S. personnel protecting embassy staff to leave the country.

The new version exempted protection of diplomatic personnel and cooperation with Lebanon’s military. " — Rep.