Limiting Conflict in Iran and Restoring Congressional War Powers

Two things have been clear from the very beginning of President Trump’s military operation in Iran: these terrorists cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the United States of America cannot be dragged into another endless war.

The Iranian regime is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans, and there is no doubt they would use a nuclear weapon against the United States and our allies if they ever obtained one. That’s why, for the past 60 days, President Trump exercised his authority under Article 2 of the Constitution to protect and defend our nation from this imminent threat.

Now that those 60 days are over, Congress must reclaim its authority under Article 1 of the Constitution and give President Trump authorization before hostilities can continue. I served 22 years in the Army, including deployments to the Middle East, where I saw firsthand the total human cost of war – and I lost too many friends on the battlefield to sit on the sidelines any longer.

That’s why I introduced legislation called an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to provide a clear and defined mission objective, limit the scope of approved military action, and establish a firm deadline for the conflict. Specifically, my AUMF includes: 

• Clear Mission Objectives: Demolish Iran’s nuclear weapons program, prevent imminent threats to Americans, blockade Iranian ports, and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for U.S. and allied ships.
• Prohibitions to Limit Escalation: No boots on the ground. No nation-building or establishing long-term governance of Iran. No occupying or seizing territory within Iran.
• Deadlines to Prevent an Endless War: A sunset expiration of July 30, 2026 — 90 days after the initial report of concluded military action was submitted to Congress on May 1.
• Direct Congressional Oversight: Every 30 days, a report must be sent to Congress detailing military operations taken, an assessment of civilian and military casualties, and an explanation of the legal authority and policy justification for each action taken. 

Here’s the bottom line: If we don’t learn from our foreign policy failures of the past, we are bound to repeat them. My AUMF will ensure that if we continue military action in Iran, we do so with clear eyes and a deadline-driven objective – something the American people have long deserved.

CLICK HERE to read my Authorization for Use of Military Force.