Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Ca.) introduced a bipartisan resolution on Monday to stop potential U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran.
Specifically, this War Powers Resolution would “prohibit ‘United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.’”
“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,” stated Massie, who has been previously criticized for anti-Israel and antisemitic statements.
“Congress has the sole power to declare war against Iran. The ongoing war between Israel and Iran is not our war,” he continued. “Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”
The resolution was co-sponsored by 14 other legislators, including “Squad” members Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.).
“No president should be able to bypass Congress’s constitutional authority over matters of war,” Khanna stated. “The American people do not want to be dragged into another disastrous conflict in the Middle East.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) also introduced companion legislation in the Senate on Monday.
