Rep. Thomas Massey announced on Monday that he intends to introduce a “bipartisan war power resolution” on Tuesday, aiming to prevent the U.S. from participating in the conflict between Israel and Iran. He stated, “This is not our war, but if that’s how it is, Congress needs to handle these issues as per our Constitution. I must introduce this resolution tomorrow.”
Rep. Ro Khanna from California responded to Massey’s announcement, expressing his willingness to collaborate on the resolution. He urged fellow lawmakers to take a stand, questioning whether they align with those who took the U.S. to war in Iraq or if they support the interests of the American people.
Reports indicate that Iran has conducted strikes, intensifying the conflict, which has resulted in at least 24 deaths and has impacted a U.S. embassy location in Tel Aviv.
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib have both indicated their support for the resolution. Ocasio-Cortez shared her approval on social media, while Tlaib highlighted the necessity of avoiding another conflict, referencing past deceptions regarding Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction.
In contrast, New York GOP Rep. Mike Lawler expressed his dissent, asserting that if figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Massey support the resolution, he is likely to oppose it. He emphasized that countries like Iran and North Korea are not allies and pose threats to global stability.
Additionally, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine introduced a joint resolution calling for the termination of military actions against Iran unless absolutely necessary for U.S. security. He expressed concern about the potential for escalating tensions to drag the U.S. into another prolonged conflict, noting that the American public is not eager to see military personnel deployed for another war in the Middle East.
