Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at prohibiting the involvement of United States Armed Forces in unauthorized hostilities in Iran. This resolution is privileged in the House of Representatives, allowing it to be brought up for debate and a floor vote after 15 calendar days without committee action.
“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 Rep. Massie. He emphasized that Congress holds the sole power to declare war, noting that “the ongoing war between Israel and Iran is not our war.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) joined as co-lead on this resolution, underscoring the need for congressional authorization for military actions. “No president should be able to bypass Congress’s constitutional authority over matters of war,” said Rep. Khanna. He expressed pride in leading this effort with Rep. Massie to ensure any military action against Iran requires congressional approval.
The resolution has garnered support from several original cosponsors including Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gregorio Casar (D-TX), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Summer Lee (D-PA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Presley (D-MA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate.
The full text of the Massie-Khanna Iran War Powers Resolution is available for public review.
