A bipartisan resolution seeks to reclaim war powers from the executive branch as tensions rise in the Middle East.
**Lawmakers Push for Congressional Approval Amid Trump’s Iran Threats**
**Lawmakers Push for Congressional Approval Amid Trump’s Iran Threats**
As President Trump's rhetoric escalates, Congress weighs in on the authority to engage militarily against Iran.
June 17, 2025, 4:19 p.m. ET
President Trump’s increasing threats toward Iran, alongside his inclination to support Israel’s military actions, has sparked a renewed discussion on Capitol Hill regarding Congress's imperative role in declaring war. A bipartisan duo from the House—Democrat Ro Khanna from California and Republican Thomas Massie from Kentucky—unveiled a resolution that, if passed, would mandate congressional authorization before U.S. forces could initiate offensive actions against Iran. This initiative reflects a growing consensus among some lawmakers that the decision to engage in military conflict should not rest solely with the President.
The resolution was co-signed by thirteen additional Democrats, although no Republicans have yet endorsed the measure. Meanwhile, Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, has introduced a similar legislative effort in the Senate, which also challenges presidential war powers. However, the chances for success in a GOP-controlled Congress are slim—especially given the reluctance of many Republican lawmakers to confront Trump's authority. Nonetheless, both resolutions hold a special procedural status that requires a formal vote in the coming days.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has successfully navigated past challenges to Trump’s authority so far. He may employ strategies to avoid forcing a vote on war declarations. Resistance to the new resolution is evident, with Republican Representative Mike Lawler expressing skepticism on social media regarding its bipartisan nature, particularly pointing out Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s support. In the Senate, some defense hawks, including Senator Lindsey Graham, voiced strong support for Trump's aggressive stance, advocating for U.S. military engagement to aid Israel in dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Contrastingly, Senator Bernie Moreno deflected the question of congressional oversight on military action, asserting faith in Trump's leadership. The stage is set for a vigorous debate as both chambers of Congress confront escalating tensions with Iran and the implications for U.S. military involvement.
President Trump’s increasing threats toward Iran, alongside his inclination to support Israel’s military actions, has sparked a renewed discussion on Capitol Hill regarding Congress's imperative role in declaring war. A bipartisan duo from the House—Democrat Ro Khanna from California and Republican Thomas Massie from Kentucky—unveiled a resolution that, if passed, would mandate congressional authorization before U.S. forces could initiate offensive actions against Iran. This initiative reflects a growing consensus among some lawmakers that the decision to engage in military conflict should not rest solely with the President.
The resolution was co-signed by thirteen additional Democrats, although no Republicans have yet endorsed the measure. Meanwhile, Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, has introduced a similar legislative effort in the Senate, which also challenges presidential war powers. However, the chances for success in a GOP-controlled Congress are slim—especially given the reluctance of many Republican lawmakers to confront Trump's authority. Nonetheless, both resolutions hold a special procedural status that requires a formal vote in the coming days.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has successfully navigated past challenges to Trump’s authority so far. He may employ strategies to avoid forcing a vote on war declarations. Resistance to the new resolution is evident, with Republican Representative Mike Lawler expressing skepticism on social media regarding its bipartisan nature, particularly pointing out Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s support. In the Senate, some defense hawks, including Senator Lindsey Graham, voiced strong support for Trump's aggressive stance, advocating for U.S. military engagement to aid Israel in dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Contrastingly, Senator Bernie Moreno deflected the question of congressional oversight on military action, asserting faith in Trump's leadership. The stage is set for a vigorous debate as both chambers of Congress confront escalating tensions with Iran and the implications for U.S. military involvement.
