The House passed a war powers resolution in order to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran.
The measure comes after Trump ordered to have top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani killed, and Iran retaliated with a missile attack against Iraqi airbases housing U.S. forces.
”Last week, in our view, the administration conducted a provocative disproportionate airstrike against Iran which endangered Americans and did so without consulting Congress,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a weekly press conference.
Pelosi said this resolution will send the statement that Trump should not move forward with any military action without the approval of Congress.
“It needs to be addressed, it needs to be rewritten…specific to the danger that we are facing,” Pelosi said. She said that the House will be reviewing a proposal from Rep. Barbara Lee, which would repeal the 2002 use of force authorization.
The resolution ensures that if the president wants to take the U.S. to war, he must get permission from Congress first.
The resolution also tells the president to eliminate the of U.S. armed forces to engage in hostilities against Iran unless Congress has declared war, given special permission or military action is needed to defend against an attack.
It also states that the U.S has “inherent right to self-defense against imminent armed attacks” and “maintains the right to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel serving abroad.”
Senate might have to vote on the measure as well or a similar resolution, created by Sen. Tim Kaine.
