Following the Trump administration’s decision to cancel a classified briefing for members of Congress on its unilateral military action in Iran, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, cosponsored a War Powers Resolution to order the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran absent congressional authorization.
“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,” Sewell said. “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.”
The resolution preserves the ability of the U.S. Armed Forces to defend the U.S. and its partners and allies from imminent attack, according to Sewell’s release.
The resolution was introduced Monday by Representatives 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.
“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,” Sewell said. “In this fragile moment, it is essential for Congress to reassert its authority and reign in the rogue actions of this administration.”
