Remove U.S. Armed Forces from Iran?
This House concurrent resolution invokes section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to direct the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran. This resolution does not apply if the Armed Forces are engaged in actions necessary to defend the U.S. or any ally or partner of the U.S. from an imminent attack, provided that the President fully complies with all requirements of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution. There are two exceptions: 1) an explicitly authorized declaration of war against Iran, or 2) a congressional authorization for the use of military force against Iran.
Sponsor: Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, New York, District 5)
View full bill text ➔
How do you feel?
Oppose
Support
Opponents say
• "President Trump promised that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon. He is acting on that promise to make the world a safer place, and he is complying with the law. In doing so, the President is complying with the notification requirements of the war powers resolution, not only through the consultation provisions and not only with routinely updating the Congress, but also under the commander-in-chief powers as a legal matter. The President of the United States doesn’t need the permission of Congress to engage in hostilities to protect the American people. The Commander-in-Chief clause gives the President the exclusive power to command the military and operations approved by Congress. And it also gives the President substantial independent power to direct military operations so long as the President does not infringe on the exclusive powers of the Congress… If my friends want to constrain the President, they have the authority to do it through the appropriations process. They do not have the constitutional authority to constrain the President from defending this country and defending our national security, advancing our national security, and ridding the world of this mess." Source: Rep. Andy Barr (Republican, Kentucky, District 6), Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
• "I think the idea that we would move a War Powers Act vote right now, I mean, it will be forced to the floor, but the idea that we would take the ability of our commander in chief, the president, take his authority away right now to finish this job, is a frightening prospect to me. It’s dangerous, and I am certainly hopeful, and I believe we do have the votes to put it down. That’s going to be a good thing for the country and our security and stability… It’s not a declaration of war. It’s not something that the president was required, because it’s defensive in nature and in design and in necessity, to come to Congress and get a vote first. And if they had briefed a larger group than the Gang of Eight, you know, there’s a real threat that that very sensitive intelligence that we had, you know, might have been leaked or something. So, this is why the commander in chief of our armed forces has the latitude that any commander in chief, any president always has, because they have a set of information that is sensitive, timely and urgent, and they have to be able to act upon it. They did that." Source: Rep. Mike Johnson (Republican, Louisiana, District 4), Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Proponents say
• "Our Constitution says that only Congress has the authority to declare war. Presidents do not get a blank check to engage in endless foreign conflicts. Urgent, sustained diplomacy is needed to achieve our strategic goals of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and securing peace in the region. Unfortunately, President Trump has accelerated the entry of America into another disastrous war — by his own description — in the Middle East. His unilateral strikes against Iran, escalatory rhetoric, and erratic promises put American troops at risk and civilians in grave danger. Trump acted without a clear plan and has offered shifting rationales, objectives, and assessments of the outcomes of his decisions. I’m joining a bipartisan coalition in the House seeking to enforce the War Powers Act, to reassert Congressional authority, uphold the Constitution, and stop Trump from marching America into another war based on falsehoods and unverifiable claims. Anything less endangers the lives of our brave, selfless troops and Americans across the world." Source: Rep. Gabe Amo (Democrat, Rhode Island, District 1), Vice Ranking Member of House Committee on Foreign Affairs
• "We must all exercise our best judgement in how we prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon and honor our relationship with Israel in the interest of our national security. But over the weekend, the Trump Administration unilaterally conducted military airstrikes in Iran without consulting the Congress of the United States. This action endangered our servicemembers, diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran. Yesterday, the Administration decided to withhold intelligence and delay the scheduled bipartisan classified Member briefing — which was already long overdue — in a slap in the face to the Congress. The Administration must work with their co-equal branch of government to fulfill the Constitutional requirement that the President comes to Congress before going to war. That is why I am supporting War Powers Resolutions which reassert the Article One powers of the Congress and ensure the Administration does not keep the American people and their Representatives in the dark." Source: Rep. Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, California, District 11)
• "It is no question that Iran and its proxies pose a serious threat to our nation, and the American people deserve measured, steady diplomatic leadership to protect our national security. Any President, past or present, must honor his Constitutional and statutory obligation to notify and seek Congressional approval before engaging in acts of war. Without proper debate, we risk putting our troops in danger and escalating regional conflict. I fully support this War Powers Resolution to ensure the safety of our troops and prevent this conflict from escalating further." Source: Rep. Derek Tran (Democrat, California, District 45), Member of the House Armed Services Committee
- Meeks, Smith, Himes Respond to Overdue Iran Briefing (Press Release)
- Bills & Resolutions: Forms of Congressional Action (U.S. House of Representatives)
- War Powers Resolution: Expedited Procedures in the House and Senate (Congress)
- Iran’s War With Israel and the United States (Center for Preventive Action)
- Congress gears up for vote on Trump's war powers in Iran — after the battle began (NPR)
- Majority of Americans oppose military action in Iran, new poll finds (PBS)
- Day 44 of Middle East conflict — Trump says US will blockade the Strait of Hormuz (CNN)
- Rep. Gregory W. Meek’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
