Should Congress pull U.S. Armed Forces from Iran?

Foreign Affairs/Relations National Security and Defense
A Joint Resolution to Direct the Removal of United States Armed Forces from Hostilities Against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been Authorized by Congress Act (S.J.Res. 59)
Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

This bill seeks to remove U.S. Armed Forces from Iran, owing to the fact that their deployment was not authorized by Congress. It invokes the War Powers Resolution of 1973, asserting that recent military actions against Iran lack necessary legislative approval. The Senate resolution mandates withdrawal of U.S. forces within thirty days, unless Congress explicitly authorizes further involvement in the region. Sponsor: Senator Tim Kaine (Democrat, Virginia)
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Opponents say

•    "The military operations in Iran should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says.The President gave Iran’s leader every opportunity to make a deal, but Iran refused to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement. President Trump has been consistent and clear that a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated. That posture has now been enforced with strength, precision, and clarity. The President’s decisive action prevents the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, which chants ‘Death to America,’ from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet. This is America First policy in action. God bless our brave men and women in uniform — the most lethal fighting force on the planet — as we pray for their safe return home. May God bless America." Source: Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican, Louisiana, District 4)

 

•    "This was the right decision by @POTUS: we cannot allow Iran to build nuclear weapons. God Bless our brave service members who supported and executed this mission." Source: Sen. Thom Tillis (Republican, North Carolina) 


•    "I applaud the President for speaking this morning to the American people and making it clear that under his watch, Iran will never ever have a nuclear weapon. We can’t relieve this maximum pressure campaign, and we also must remain cognizant of the dangers of creating power vacuums in the Middle East. I also hope that our allies in Germany and France and the United Kingdom will work with us to persuade the U.N. to invoke the snapback provisions under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to restore international sanctions and restrictions on the Iranian regime. While the United States has not purposely sought out further conflict that would lead to an unnecessary loss of life, we need to defend – we must always defend – American personnel and our interests in the Middle East. I continue to be proud of our military leadership and the rank-and-file service members who work so hard to protect the United States and our national interests in the Middle East and around the world." Source: Sen. John Cornryn (Republican, Texas)

Proponents say

•    "It is not in our national security interest to get into a war with Iran unless that war is absolutely necessary to defend the United States. I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict. The American people have no interest in sending service members to fight another forever war in the Middle East. This resolution will ensure that if we decide to place our nation’s men and women in uniform into harm’s way, we will have a debate and vote on it in Congress." Source: Sen. Tim Kaine (Democrat, Virginia) 


•    "In January — speaking to the entire nation at his Inauguration – Donald Trump proclaimed ‘We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.’ Today, against his own words, the president sent bombers into Iran. Americans overwhelmingly do not want to go to war. Americans do not want to risk the safety of our troops abroad. Americans do not want a president who bypasses our constitution and pulls us towards war without Congressional approval. Donald Trump needs to bring his case to Congress immediately." Source: DNC Chair Ken Martin 


•    "Donald Trump promised to bring peace to the Middle East. He has failed to deliver on that promise. The risk of war has now dramatically increased, and I pray for the safety of our troops in the region who have been put in harm’s way. President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization for the use of military force, and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East. First, the Trump administration bears the heavy burden of explaining to the American people why the military action was undertaken. Second, Congress must be fully and immediately briefed in a classified setting. Third, Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action." Source: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (Democrat, New York, District 8)

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