A second attempt to restrict U.S. military operations in Lebanon failed Tuesday, with 22 House Democrats joining Republicans to defeat the resolution. The measure, introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), would have required the Trump administration to withdraw U.S. troops from Lebanon within a week of passage. The final vote was 189 to 235.
The resolution included language exempting troops supporting the Lebanese military against Hezbollah and those protecting diplomatic facilities. That compromise, worked out between Tlaib and Democratic leadership, drew significantly fewer defections than the earlier version—down from 117 Democrats who voted against the original measure earlier this month.
The earlier resolution did not contain the explicit protections for troops, which contributed to broader opposition. Democratic leaders supported the revised version, reflecting a shift in strategy as the party navigates internal divisions over U.S. involvement in the region.
Centrist Democrats who opposed the measure argued it could hamper efforts to combat Hezbollah and safeguard American personnel. The resolution's collapse underscores ongoing friction within the party over military engagement in the Middle East, even as the White House has signaled support for Israel's operations.
The outcome leaves the administration's current posture in Lebanon unchanged. Critics of the measure say it would have constrained military flexibility, while supporters contend it was a necessary check on executive power.