A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a war powers resolution in the House aiming to prohibit U.S. involvement in Iran without congressional approval.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., emphasized the constitutional requirement for Congress to decide on such matters, saying on X, “This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., co-leading the resolution, said it is time for every member of Congress to be on record regarding this issue.
“No war in Iran. It’s time for every member to go on record,” Khanna posted on X. “Are you with the neocons who led us into Iraq or do you stand with the American people?”
The resolution reads, in part, “Congress hereby directs the president to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.”
The House effort on Tuesday follows Sen. Tim Kaine’s introduction of a similar resolution in the Senate on Monday that would require Congress to debate and vote on U.S. involvement in the conflict.
“I don’t think the U.S. needs to be at war with Iran right now. I don’t think our national security depends on it. And we shouldn’t kind of blunder our way into it,” Kaine, D-Va., said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said President Donald Trump has acted in line thus far within his power as commander-in-chief. Thune said, “Clearly if this thing were to extend for some period of time, there could be a more fulsome discussion about what the role of Congress should be and whether or not we need to take action.”
Some lawmakers, however, support U.S. involvement if necessary for Israel’s success. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said, “They need our help, Israel does, to take out Fordow, they need help from us. I hope the president will provide Israel with the help they need to finish the job.” Fordow is Iran’s prized nuclear facility, buried deep within a mountain. Only the U.S. has bombs powerful enough to reach and destroy it.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also strongly supports Israel, saying, “I’m unapologetically very pro-Israel, think we ought to ultimately follow them into this and take out the nuclear facilitiestaking out Iran at this point is necessary if you want to have any real peace in the Middle East.”
Additionally, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced a resolution to prohibit the use of federal funds or military force against Iran without congressional consent, with an exception for self-defense.
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