Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced a war powers resolution on Monday amid escalating tensions 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,” stated Kaine, adding that he is “deeply concerned” the recent escalation in the Middle East could “quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict.”
The War Powers Resolution, first adopted in 1973, seeks to reaffirm the constitutional role of Congress in committing the United States to armed conflict abroad. It requires the president to report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying U.S. troops if Congress has not declared war or passed legislation authorizing the action. Forces must return within 60 days if not approved by Congress.
“The American people have no interest in sending servicemembers to fight another forever war in the Middle East,” he stated. “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.”
The resolution maintains that “hostilities with Iran must be explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force,” Kaine stated, but that it would not prevent the United States from defending itself from any attack, Iranian or otherwise.