What’s Happening?
- Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a measure in the Senate requiring Congress to:
- Hold a public debate.
- Vote before the U.S. can join Israel’s conflict with Iran (e.g., launching strikes, sending troops).
- Kaine warns: “This could drag us into another endless war. The American people don’t want that.”
- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced a similar resolution in the House, stressing:
- “This isn’t our fight. If it becomes one, only Congress can approve it—not the president.”
- The effort has rare bipartisan support, including a thumbs-up from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Why Does This Matter?
- No More “Forever Wars”: Many lawmakers (and voters) oppose repeating mistakes like Iraq/Afghanistan, where the U.S. got stuck in decades-long conflicts.
- Rising Tensions: Recent Israel-Iran clashes could spiral. Some fear the U.S. might attack Iran, triggering missile strikes on U.S. bases in the Middle East.
- Constitutional Check: The U.S. Constitution says only Congress can declare war. But presidents have bypassed this for years (e.g., drone strikes, air campaigns). These resolutions aim to restore that balance.
Key Quotes (Simplified)
- Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA): “Anyone cheering for U.S. involvement isn’t ‘America First.’ We’re tired of foreign wars.”
- Tim Kaine: “If our troops are risking their lives, Americans deserve a say through their lawmakers.”
What Comes Next?
- Both resolutions are “privileged,” meaning Congress must vote on them quickly (likely within days).
- Want to help? Contact your senator/representative (especially if you’re in Virginia or Kentucky) to voice support.
Bottom Line: This is about accountability. Lawmakers are demanding transparency to prevent rushed decisions that could cost lives and trillions of dollars.