Warren, Sanders, Democrats Introduce No War Against Iran Act As Military Strikes Continue in the Middle East
Warren: “Congress decides when our country goes to war, not the President or the Netanyahu government.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and colleagues in introducing the No War Against Iran Act, legislation to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran absent specific Congressional authorization. Israel’s military strikes against Iran risk tanking diplomatic efforts that were already underway, further destabilizing the Middle East for its civilians, and drawing the United States into yet another military conflict. The bill contains an exception for self-defense as enshrined in the War Powers Act and applicable U.S. law.
“The Constitution is clear: Congress decides when our country goes to war, not the President or the Netanyahu government,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump administration must prioritize de-escalation to prevent this spiraling into a war that jeopardizes U.S. troops and destabilizes the Middle East.”
“Netanyahu’s reckless and illegal attacks violate international law and risk igniting a regional war. Congress must make it clear that the United States will not be dragged into Netanyahu’s war of choice,” Senator Sanders said. “Our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of war and peace exclusively to the people’s elected representatives in Congress, and it is imperative that we make clear that the President has no authority to embark on another costly war without explicit authorization by Congress.”
“Another war in the Middle East could cost countless lives, waste trillions more dollars and lead to even more deaths, more conflict, and more displacement,” Senator Sanders continued. “I will do everything that I can as a Senator to defend the Constitution and prevent the U.S. from being drawn into another war.”
“Instead of bringing wars to an end, Trump is facilitating them — leading to civilian deaths and threatening American lives in the region. Only the Congress has the constitutional power to declare war, and President Trump must not drag us further into this conflict without Congressional approval,” Senator Van Hollen said.
“Our Constitution and laws give Congress, not the President, the exclusive powers to authorize military force and declare war. Congress must reassert that authority so that we are not drawn into a catastrophic regional war that would further imperil the safety of American citizens and forces, the stability of Middle East, and the lives of innocent civilians,” Senator Markey said.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).
“Our taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund another reckless, open-ended conflict instigated by Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Senator Welch said. “War has badly damaged this region. Millions of civilians face acute hunger and need lifesaving aid in Gaza right now. Netanyahu just upended U.S.-led negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear program in favor of recklessly escalating tensions. Congress needs to listen to the American people, as our founders intended, before getting involved.”
“As strikes between Israel and Iran continue, we need de-escalation and restraint from all sides. Trump’s reckless decision to abandon the JCPOA nuclear agreement, cheered on by Netanyahu, helped bring us to this dangerous moment. This bill makes clear: the President cannot launch another war in the Middle East without Congressional authorization. It’s long past time for Congress to reassert its constitutional role and prevent another disastrous conflict,” Senator Merkley said.
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