Bipartisan Legislation to Limit Presidential Powers on Israel-Iran Conflict

Representative Thomas Massey (R-KY) has put forward new bipartisan legislation seeking to restrict President Donald Trump’s authority regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

“This isn’t our war, but if it were, it should be Congress making those calls, as outlined in our constitution,” Massey commented. He plans to present a bipartisan resolution aimed at barring military involvement and has welcomed his fellow Congress members to support it.

While Massey stands alone as the only Republican backing this initiative, several prominent Democrats, including members of the so-called “squad” like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), have expressed their endorsement for similar proposals.

Representative Ocasio-Cortez encouraged fellow lawmakers to get on board, stating, “Sign on.”

Representative Tlaib added her support, saying, “I look forward to backing this war resolution. The American people won’t be misled again. We’ve seen the consequences of false claims about Iraq’s supposed ‘weapons of mass destruction’—it’s devastating.”

Meanwhile, Representative Omar echoed these sentiments: “I support this resolution because the American public is wary of entering another conflict.”

Others, like Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), known for his critical stance on military actions, have also come out in support. Khanna remarked, “There isn’t an actual war with Iran. It’s time for every member to take a stance. Are you with the neoconservatives who took us into Iraq, or are you standing with the American people? I’m proud to support Congressman Massey’s bipartisan effort.”

On the Senate front, progressive figures such as Senators Tim Kaine and Bernie Sanders have shown their backing for similar measures. Senator Kaine recently released a statement, announcing his own resolution aimed at preventing unnecessary military engagements with Iran.

Senator Sanders has also introduced a proposal dubbed the “War Powers on Iran Act,” which has gained support from Senators Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley, Chris Van Hollen, Ed Markey, Tammy Baldwin, and Tina Smith.