Key members of Congress are calling for a swift vote on a war powers resolution aimed at restraining President Donald Trump's military actions against Iran.This push arises from concerns that the administration's campaign could be illegal and may risk further entangling the United States in Middle Eastern conflicts.
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pbs.orgwhec.comBoth the House and Senate, where Trump's Republican Party holds a slim majority, had drafted war powers resolutions before the strikes occurred.The upcoming debate is expected to serve as a referendum on Trump's decision to pursue military action without formal authorization from Congress.
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whec.comSenator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia and a leader in the bipartisan effort, criticized the president's actions, questioning whether Trump has learned from the consequences of US involvement in Iran and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.He labeled the strikes as "a colossal mistake.".
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whec.comhalifax.citynews.caIn the House, Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) are insisting that Congress must publicly vote on their bipartisan measure."Congress must convene on Monday to vote," Khanna stated, emphasizing the need for legislative oversight.
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halifax.citynews.caContrasting with the Democrats' concerns, many Republican leaders have supported Trump's actions against Iran.They argue that the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program and missile capabilities necessitates a military response.Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) praised the president's determination, stating, "Well done, Mr President.".
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pbs.orgwftv.comThe administration's decision to engage in military operations, reportedly in coordination with Israel, raises significant constitutional questions regarding the separation of powers.While the Constitution grants the president authority as commander in chief for certain military operations, Congress holds the power to declare war.
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halifax.citynews.cawftv.comHistorical precedent shows that previous administrations, including that of George W.Bush, sought congressional authorization before initiating major military actions.
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whec.comDespite the urgency of the situation, the congressional debate on war powers may ultimately be symbolic.Even if a resolution passes through the narrowly divided Congress, it is likely that Trump would veto it.Congress does not possess the two-thirds majority necessary to override such a veto, thus limiting the effectiveness of the vote.
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pbs.orgHouse Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed the party's longstanding views, asserting that Iran faces "the severe consequences of its evil actions." He noted that leadership was briefed earlier in the week about the necessity of military action to safeguard US interests.
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whec.comwftv.comMany Democrats are labeling the military operation illegal, arguing that the administration has not provided sufficient justification for the strikes.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, described the president's actions as an "illegal, regime-change war against Iran." He called for an immediate Senate vote on the War Powers Resolution to halt these operations.
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pbs.orghalifax.citynews.caHouse Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the need for authorization for any preemptive military force, stating, "While Iran is a 'bad actor,' the administration must seek authorization for actions that constitute an act of war.".
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whec.comSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called for immediate briefings on the administration's military strategy, expressing concern that the American public does not want another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
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whec.comwftv.comAs Congress prepares for this rare war powers debate, the implications of Trump's unilateral military actions will be closely scrutinized, potentially reshaping the dynamics of executive and legislative power in matters of war.
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pbs.orghalifax.citynews.caAssociated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Matt Brown contributed to this report.By LISA MASCARO, AP Congressional Correspondent.
