A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a resolution to prohibit the United States from becoming involved in the conflict between Iran and Israel.
The war powers resolution follows another resolution filed by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine (VA).
The resolution, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and co-led by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), demands that the president “remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
“Congress has not declared war with respect to, or provided a specific statutory authorization for, hostilities involving United States Armed Forces against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the resolution states, calling for the “termination of the use of United States forces for hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
“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,” it notes, adding that intelligence and investigative activities relating to threats in Iran may still be permitted.
Massie said in a statement accompanying the resolution that the Constitution “does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasn’t attacked the United States.”
“Congress has the sole power to declare war against Iran. The ongoing war between Israel and Iran is not our war,” he said. “Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”
