NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
In a rare bipartisan move, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announced plans to introduce a War Powers Resolution aimed at preventing the United States from entering the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran without formal approval from Congress.
“This is not our war,” Massie posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Monday. “But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.” He confirmed that the resolution would be introduced the following day and encouraged lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to support it.
Massie’s proposal quickly gained support from across the political spectrum. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), a longtime advocate for restraining executive war powers, publicly backed the resolution, stating, “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?”
The resolution invokes the War Powers Act of 1973, a law designed to check the president’s power to commit U.S. forces to armed conflict without congressional consent. If passed, it would require President Biden—or any future president—to seek legislative approval before engaging militarily in the Middle East conflict.
The timing of the resolution comes as tensions in the region continue to rise. While Israel and Iran exchange accusations and missile fire, there are growing fears that U.S. forces could become entangled in a broader war. Massie and Khanna argue that the American public has little appetite for another foreign military engagement, especially one lacking clear objectives or congressional authorization.
“This is about accountability,” Khanna said. “We need to make sure decisions of war and peace are made by the people’s representatives—not by a few individuals behind closed doors.”
Political analysts say the move could force a public debate in Congress, drawing attention to how quickly military decisions are made in Washington without oversight. It also reflects growing skepticism—on both the left and the right—of foreign interventions that lack clear mandates or defined goals.
Whether the resolution gains enough momentum to pass remains to be seen, but it marks a significant moment of bipartisan resistance to unchecked presidential war powers—and a clear signal that many lawmakers are wary of repeating the mistakes of past conflicts.
