A bipartisan group of House members on Tuesday introduced a war powers resolution to prohibit U.S. involvement in Iran as its conflict with Israel intensifies, signaling they may force a vote on the matter.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who is one of the most outspoken libertarian-leaning Republicans advocating against U.S. military intervention abroad, posted on the social media site X on Monday that he would introduce such a resolution on Tuesday.
“This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution,” Massie said. “I’m introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution tomorrow to prohibit our involvement. I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolution.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said he would co-lead the resolution with Massie and that the resolution would be privileged — a designation that can allow the members to circumvent leadership to force a full House vote.
“No war in Iran. It’s time for every member to go on record. Are you with the neocons who led us into Iraq or do you stand with the American people?” Khanna said in a post on X. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie that is privileged and must receive a vote.”
The text of the resolution says “Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.”
It clarifies, though, that the resolution should not be used to disrupt intelligence gathering or “the sharing of intelligence between the United States and any coalition partner if the President determines such sharing is appropriate and in the national security interests of the United States.”
The idea got swift support from some House Democrats.
“Signing on,” replied Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) also said he would sign on.
No other Republicans have co-sponsored the resolution yet.
President Trump has declined to rule out using the power of the U.S. military to help Israel strike Iran, even as he pushes Iran to negotiate and strike a deal to ensure it would never obtain a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. has helped Israel in missile defense, but the Pentagon said Monday night that American forces are maintaining their defensive posture.
On Air Force One on Monday night, Trump told reporters: “We’re looking for better than a ceasefire” and was looking for “a real end,” with Iran “giving up entirely.”
This story was updated at 12:42 p.m.