Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie filed a resolution on Tuesday to stop the United States from involvement in the Israel-Iran war.
War Powers Resolutions are privileged in the House of Representatives and can be called up for debate and a floor vote after 15 calendar days without action in committee.
"The Constitution does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasn't attacked the United States," Massie said. "Congress has the sole power to declare war against Iran. The ongoing war between Israel and Iran is not our war. Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution."
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) joined Rep. Massie as co-lead of the Iran War Powers Resolution.
"No president should be able to bypass Congress’s constitutional authority over matters of war. The American people do not want to be dragged into another disastrous conflict in the Middle East. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie to reassert that any military action against Iran must be authorized by Congress,” said Rep. Khanna.
Fourteen Democrat representatives are cosponsors including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Ilhan Omar. Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul said Tuesday he hopes the U.S. does not attack Iran.
“I think the lingering chance for diplomacy comes from restraint,” Paul said. “The president has shown restraint in the past. The president’s instincts are good and I’m hoping the president will not get involved with the war. I think if the United States actively bombs Tehran, the possibility of negotiation goes out the window.”
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., listens during a joint subcommittee hearing of the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
