U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL07) has cosponsored a War Powers Resolution to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran, unless specifically authorized by Congress. The resolution was introduced following the Trump administration’s cancellation of a scheduled classified briefing for members of Congress regarding recent military action in Iran.
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The measure preserves the authority of the Armed Forces to defend the United States and its allies against imminent threats, but limits broader offensive action to those without congressional approval.
The resolution was introduced on Monday by Reps. Jim Himes, ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Gregory W. Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Adam Smith, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Sewell criticized the administration for bypassing congressional authority and failing to brief lawmakers on its strategy.
“First, President Trump blatantly ignored the Constitution by taking offensive military action without congressional approval. Now, his administration is refusing to come before Congress and provide answers,” said Sewell. “The American people deserve to know—at the very least—what his strategy is, how he plans to keep our service members safe, and what steps are being taken to de-escalate this conflict. For President Trump to withhold that information is unthinkable and suggests that he has no coherent plan.”
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Sewell called on Congress to ‘reassert its authority.’
“Our War Powers Resolution orders the removal of our Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran, while allowing our troops to defend our nation and our allies from imminent attack.”
The resolution was introduced in the wake of Operation Midnight Hammer, a military strike carried out by U.S. forces on June 21 at 6:45 p.m. EDT. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base dropped a dozen GBU-57 bombs on an Iranian uranium enrichment site, destroying the facility and significantly delaying Iran’s nuclear program.
The Department of Defense described the operation as a historically successful strike that was 15 years in the making.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
