Massie, Khanna Lead Resolution to Block U.S. Iran War/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna are co-leading a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at preventing U.S. involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The measure is drawing support from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Critics argue the U.S. must stand with Israel to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.
U.S. War Powers Resolution Quick Looks
- New resolution filed: Aims to block U.S. entry into Israel-Iran war.
- Bipartisan push: Rep. Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Khanna (D-Calif.) co-lead initiative.
- AOC, Tlaib sign on: Progressive Democrats support anti-war measure.
- Critics push back: GOP voices warn against abandoning Israel in crisis.
- Senate echo: Sen. Tim Kaine introduces parallel joint resolution.
- Trump not authorized: Move asserts war powers must go through Congress.
Massie, Khanna Lead Resolution to Block U.S. Iran War
Deep Look
Lawmakers Unite to Curb Presidential War Powers
In response to rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at blocking U.S. military involvement unless explicitly approved by Congress.
“This is not our war,” Massie posted on X. “But if it were, Congress must decide.” The measure is scheduled for introduction Tuesday.
Massie’s effort has drawn cross-party support, most notably from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who said he is “proud to co-lead” the resolution.
“It’s time for every member to go on record,” Khanna stated, drawing a sharp contrast between non-interventionists and lawmakers backing a hawkish foreign policy.
Progressive Democrats Back Resolution
Key progressive voices — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) — signaled their support.
“Signing on,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote, while Tlaib emphasized public skepticism over war narratives: “We were lied to about ‘weapons of mass destruction’ in Iraq… It’s unconstitutional for Trump to go to war without a vote.”
Republican Opposition Emerges
Opposition was quick to form, particularly from within the Republican Party.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), endorsed by Trump for re-election, criticized the resolution, saying: “If AOC and Massie are a yes, I’m a no.” He warned against the dangers of a nuclear Iran and advocated unwavering U.S. support for Israel: “We must stand with Israel.”
Senate Introduces Similar Legislation
Across the Capitol, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced a joint resolution that mirrors the House’s effort, aiming to block military engagement unless formally authorized by Congress.
“The American people have no interest in another endless conflict in the Middle East,” Kaine said. “This resolution ensures Congress has a say before risking American lives.”
Kaine’s resolution underscores growing bipartisan concern over unchecked executive war powers, particularly as tensions escalate and fears of a broader conflict rise.
Background: Tensions on the Rise
The resolution comes amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Iranian missile attacks that have killed at least 24, including damaging a U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv.
President Donald Trump has increased military readiness but has not asked Congress for war authorization, prompting legal and constitutional questions about executive authority.
Historical Echoes and Political Stakes
The effort to assert congressional war powers draws parallels to debates surrounding the Iraq War and post-9/11 military authorizations. Many Democrats — and a rising number of libertarian-leaning Republicans — argue that unchecked military action led to long-term conflicts with little oversight.
This new resolution, if passed, could force lawmakers to take a public stand on whether the U.S. should become militarily involved in the Middle East once again.
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