Overview

• The House measure led by Rep. Thomas Massie and co-led by Rep. Ro Khanna bans U.S. forces from engaging Iran without a formal declaration of war or specific authorization.
• Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced the No War Against Iran Act in the Senate with a coalition of Democratic cosponsors and Republican Sen. Rand Paul to bar federal funds for hostilities absent explicit congressional approval.
• Sponsors structured the House resolution as a privileged measure, guaranteeing a floor vote within days to reassert Congress’s sole constitutional authority over declarations of war.
• Lawmakers cite President Trump’s consideration of expanded military support for Israel and deployment of naval assets to the Middle East as a driving force behind the urgency of the resolutions.
• Advocates argue that compelling a congressional vote is essential to prevent unchecked executive action, avoid escalation in the Middle East and uphold constitutional checks on war powers.