Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) has introduced a resolution aiming to rein in President Donald Trump’s war powers amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
“It is not in our national security interest to get into a war with Iran unless that war is absolutely necessary to defend the United States. I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict,” said Kaine. “The American people have no interest in sending servicemembers to fight another forever war in the Middle East. This resolution will ensure that if we decide to place our nation’s men and women in uniform into harm’s way, we will have a debate and vote on it in Congress.”
Resolutions on war powers are considered privileged, meaning the Senate must consider and vote on the subject.
The resolution is intended to “direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress,” it reads, going on to assert that “Congress has the sole power to declare war under article I, section 8, clause 11 of the United States Constitution.”
“The question of whether United States forces should be engaged in hostilities against Iran should be answered following a full briefing to Congress and the American public of the issues at stake, a public debate in Congress, and a congressional vote as contemplated by the Constitution,” the resolution adds.
While Congress is responsible for declaring war under the U.S. Constitution, the President of the United States is designated Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy under Article II, Section 2, granting them the authority to direct the military after war is declared.
