The failed vote prevents lawmakers from formally debating the cost of the ongoing military conflict against Iran, which has left six US servicemembers and hundreds of Iranian civilians dead. Democrats argue that the president should have sought congressional authorization for the strikes, as required by the U.S. Constitution. They forced a vote under the War Powers Act, which allows for notification of hostilities in an emergency when the country is under imminent threat and can trigger snap disapproval votes. The House of Representatives is set to vote on a War Powers resolution blocking hostilities with Iran, but it is expected to fail due to at least seven House Democrats' support for the operation.