Tom Barrett

Four Republican representatives voted with Democrats to require congressional approval for military action against Iran.

The House vote passed 215-208, representing a bipartisan rebuke of the president's handling of the conflict.

The vote reasserted Congress's constitutional authority in decisions regarding military force.

This week, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, remembered something that too many Republicans in Washington have forgotten.

Congress exists as one of three equal branches of government, and it can do hard things.

Barrett joined three other Republicans — Kentucky’s Thomas Massie, Ohio’s Warren Davidson and Pennsylvania’s Brian Fitzpatrick — in voting with Democrats to demand that President Donald J. Trump seek approval before continuing military action against Iran. The House vote passed 215-208, marking one of the first successful bipartisan rebukes of Trump’s handling of the conflict in Iran, now in its fourth month.

This may not sound revolutionary, but it should.

For months, many Republicans who preached limited government, constitutional restraint and separation of powers have treated Congress like a yield sign. Watch to see what Trump does then proceed in kind.

Barrett, a former Army helicopter pilot and Iraq War veteran, stopped at the red octagonal sign. Enough. He understands combat, as piloting a helicopter in wartime is among the most dangerous parts of military duty. It is not a video game or a social media post or an opportunity for hubris. It’s about life and death every moment.

Davidson, a former enlisted infantryman, Army Ranger and West Point graduate who witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, represents my Ohio hometown. He also has a master’s in business administration from Notre Dame. He, too, knows what military conflict looks like up close.

Fitzpatrick, an attorney and former FBI special agent, was embedded with U.S. special forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He, too, has worn the boots on the ground in wartime and is known in Washington for bipartisanship.

Wars are fought by sons and daughters from places like Charlotte, Howell, Monroe, Hillsdale, Coldwater, Cincinnati, and Covington, Ky.

That reality also explains why Davidson joined Barrett in breaking ranks. Neither man can be accused of weakness. Neither can be accused of failing to understand the cost of military action. They know what happens after the speeches end.

As expected, Trump immediately lobbed personal attacks, calling the GOP congressmen “grandstanders” and claimed the War Powers Act is unconstitutional.

A few days ago, former Vice President Mike Pence cautiously reminded Republicans that conservative principles still exist independent of the president.

This week, Barrett did the same.

He did not suddenly become a Democrat, nor did he endorse the Iranian regime.

He did not embrace isolationism.

He simply defended the idea that before America sends young men and women into harm’s way, Congress should have a say.

This is not a novel idea. It’s the rule of law. It is a position that was formerly called constitutional conservatism.

The remarkable thing is that so few Republicans did.

Michigan voters should take note.

Courage is not agreeing with your party when it is easy. Leading is standing by the courage of your convictions when it’s especially hard.

Barrett and his cohorts are to be praised, not buried.

Byron McCauley is a regional columnist for USA Today Co. Email him at [email protected]. Call (513)504-8915.