A wide-ranging coalition of U.S. lawmakers is expressing deep concerns over a potential active role of the United States in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
This coalition brings together an unusual mix of lawmakers, including staunch supporters of President Donald Trump and progressive Democrats. These groups, who have historically been vocal against U.S. involvement in military conflicts—especially without congressional approval—are now joining forces in this critical debate.
At the forefront of this movement are Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., known for his libertarian stance, and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who is advocating for a war powers resolution. This legislation aims to compel the Biden administration to seek congressional approval before taking any significant military actions in the ongoing conflict.
Massie emphasized the constitutional importance of Congress having the authority to decide on issues of war. “This is not our war,” he stated on social media platform X. “But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”
His call sparked a wave of support from progressive Democrats, with high-profile figures like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan voicing their backing for the legislation. Tlaib articulated the skepticism many feel towards military interventions, recalling the misjudgments made during the Iraq war. “The American people aren’t falling for it again,” she wrote. “It’s [unconstitutional] for Trump to go to war without a vote in Congress.”
Khanna and Massie had previously co-sponsored a similar resolution during President Trump’s first term, focusing on limiting U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict. While that resolution was passed by both the House and Senate, Trump did not sign it and ultimately reduced his military ambitions in the region.
In a recent interview, Khanna suggested that this particular issue might be where Trump supporters could diverge from the former president’s policies. “This is core to many in the MAGA base. It’s different,” Khanna noted, observing a unique intensity surrounding concerns about entering another foreign war.
These sentiments are echoed in the broader MAGA political discourse, where prominent figures such as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon have voiced their apprehensions. Both commentators have cautioned Trump against entangling the U.S. in a conflict they fear could escalate into another protracted war. Carlson was labeled “kooky” by Trump after offering this warning, drawing a robust defense from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a significant figure among Trump supporters. Greene expressed her admiration for Carlson, stating, “foreign wars/intervention/regime change put America last, kill innocent people, are making us broke, and will ultimately lead to our destruction.”
Khanna stressed the importance of a non-interventionist approach, linking it to the founding principles of the MAGA movement. “I feel like the entire MAGA movement started as a rejection of the Bush and neocon war in Iraq. That was a central part of their identity,” Khanna said.
The proposed war powers resolution is scheduled to be introduced by Massie and Khanna as a privileged resolution, which would necessitate a full House floor vote within a short period. However, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who aligns closely with Trump, has the authority to revoke this privilege since it relates to military intervention. Johnson’s office has not yet commented on the resolution.
Should the resolution progress to the House, Khanna acknowledged that support may not be universal within the Democratic Party. He pointed out that there are still members who have a hawkish stance on military matters, including some who voted in favor of the Iraq war. However, he also noted that the number of such lawmakers is decreasing.
Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is spearheading a similar initiative in the Senate aimed at restricting Trump from unilaterally engaging U.S. forces in hostilities against Iran. Kaine emphasized that the crucial question of military engagement should rest solely with Congress. “I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict,” he remarked.
Kaine’s stance underscores the growing public sentiment against prolonged military entanglements, as he questioned whether U.S. involvement aligns with national security interests. He insists that any military action should prompt a thorough debate and require congressional approval.
In response to inquiries about his support for Kaine’s resolution, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stated that Congress and Senate Democrats would not hesitate to exercise their authority if necessary.
Kaine’s credibility on this issue stems from his consistent advocacy for restraining presidential war powers across administrations. He previously collaborated with bipartisan colleagues in calling for a return of such authority to Congress during the Biden administration.
Nonetheless, past attempts to curtail presidential military powers have often struggled against congressional inertia and resistance from military hawks in both major parties. Initial indications suggest that Senate Republican leaders are inclined to maintain strong support for Israel.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., emphasized a commitment to Israel’s defense, stating, “While the U.S. military is not involved in offensive operations against Iran, U.S. forces have helped defend Israel from indiscriminate missile attacks launched by Iran.” He reiterated that both Trump and the nation remain steadfast in their support for Israel and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East, while prioritizing the safety of American personnel deployed in the region.
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