Lawmakers from both parties are teaming up to block U.S. military involvement in any Israel–Iran conflict without explicit congressional approval. The Bipartisan War Powers Resolution, co-led by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), would require a formal vote before deploying troops or authorizing combat actions. Massie announced the measure on X, emphasizing that “we’re not fighting this war” and that the Constitution vests war powers squarely in Congress.
Progressive Democrats have rallied behind the effort, with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) pledging their support. AOC tweeted “I’m signing on,” while Tlaib cited past deceptions—like WMD claims in Iraq—to argue that unilateral executive war-making is both unconstitutional and dangerous. Khanna added, “In Iran, no war,” urging all members to choose between public accountability and repeating the mistakes of past interventions.
Not all Republicans are on board, however. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), backed by former President Trump, vowed to vote “no,” arguing that a nuclear-armed Iran threatens U.S. allies and would necessitate a strong military response. In the Senate, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a companion resolution mirroring the House measure, insisting that any hostilities with Iran require congressional authorization—even while preserving the ability to act in true self-defense.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s own stance remains opaque. On his return flight from the G7 summit, he dismissed early cease-fire reports, promising “better than a cease-fire” without clarifying what that entails. As both chambers prepare potential votes on these war-powers resolutions, Congress faces a pivotal decision: reaffirm its constitutional role in declaring war, or continue to cede authority to the executive branch in a volatile Middle East crisis.
