Overview

• The Senate will consider a Kaine resolution that requires Congress to debate and vote on any U.S. military action against Iran before it proceeds.
• Proponents argue the measure restores constitutional war powers to Congress by reinforcing the 1973 War Powers Act’s requirement for legislative approval.
• Critics in both parties maintain that the president’s role as commander-in-chief allows for limited strikes without prior congressional consent.
• Lawmakers cite decades of executive overreach under post-9/11 authorizations to justify reclaiming legislative oversight of war powers.
• The White House is weighing whether to support Israel’s campaign against Iran’s nuclear sites or pursue a renewed diplomatic negotiation.