Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced an Iran War Powers Resolution this morning, as a companion resolution to a similar resolution that Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced yesterday in the Senate.
Representative Massie, the resolution’s chief mover, announced on his X account that the intent of the resolution is “to prohibit U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war. This is not our war. Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”
The resolution states that: “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.”
The resolution is bipartisan, although its initiator, Massie, is the only courageous Republican to put his name on it—so far. Seventeen Democrat Representatives, in addition to Representative Khanna, are cosponsors: Don Beyer (VA), Gregorio Casar (TX), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Lloyd Doggett (TX), Chuy Garcia (IL), Val Hoyle (OR), Pramila Jayapal (WA), Summer Lee (PA), Jim McGovern (MA), Ilhan Omar (MN), Ayanna Presley (MA), Delia Ramirez (IL), Rashida Tlaib (MI), and Nydia Velázquez (NY).
Massie reports that War Powers Resolutions are privileged in the House of Representatives, and can be called up for debate and a floor vote after 15 calendar days without action in committee. The text of the announcement and the resolution can be found here.
