Amid escalating violence between Israel and Iran, U.S. lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have introduced legislation aimed at blocking President Donald Trump from initiating a new war in the Middle East without explicit congressional approval. The effort comes as the Israeli military, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, intensifies its aerial campaign on Iran and openly calls for U.S. military assistance.
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) on Monday introduced a war powers resolution that would require any U.S. military hostilities with Iran to be “explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force.” As a privileged resolution, Kaine’s measure must be considered and voted on by the Senate, despite Republican control of the chamber.
“It is not in our national security interest to get into a war with Iran unless that war is absolutely necessary to defend the United States,” Kaine said in a statement. “I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict.”
Kaine’s resolution follows a similar attempt he led in 2020, when Congress passed a nearly identical measure that was later vetoed by Trump. This time, the Virginia senator said the need for legislative oversight is even more urgent.
“The American people have no interest in sending servicemembers to fight another forever war in the Middle East,” Kaine said. “This resolution will ensure that if we decide to place our nation’s men and women in uniform into harm’s way, we will have a debate and vote on it in Congress.”
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced a complementary bill later that day titled the No War Against Iran Act, which would bar the use of any federal funds for military action against Iran unless Congress passes a formal declaration of war or specific authorization.
“Netanyahu’s reckless and illegal attacks violate international law and risk igniting a regional war,” Sanders said in a statement. “Congress must make it clear that the United States will not be dragged into Netanyahu’s war of choice.”
“Our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of war and peace exclusively to the people’s elected representatives in Congress,” Sanders added, “and it is imperative that we make clear that the president has no authority to embark on another costly war without explicit authorization by Congress.”
Seven Democratic senators joined Sanders in co-sponsoring the bill: Peter Welch (Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Ed Markey (Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), and Tina Smith (Minn.).
According to the text of the legislation, “no federal funds may be obligated or expended for any use of military force in or against Iran” unless authorized by Congress. Sanders warned that “another war in the Middle East could cost countless lives, waste trillions more dollars, and lead to even more deaths, more conflict, and more displacement.”
Kaine’s resolution and Sanders’ legislation follow growing speculation that the Trump administration may heed Netanyahu’s calls for direct U.S. military support. Reports suggest the Israeli government is pressuring the White House to assist in the destruction of Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure.
U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have voiced concerns over such a move. “Israel doesn’t need U.S. taxpayers’ money for defense if it already has enough to start offensive wars,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) wrote on social media. “I vote not to fund this war of aggression.”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) issued a sharp rebuke of any attempt by Trump to bypass Congress: “The president cannot circumvent congressional war powers and unilaterally send U.S. troops to war with Iran,” she said. “This is a violation of Article I of the Constitution, which requires congressional approval to declare war. The American people do not want another endless war in the Middle East that will cost lives and tear their families apart.”
Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have announced plans to introduce a companion war powers resolution in the House, reflecting the bipartisan nature of the resistance to unauthorized military engagement.
“This is not our war,” Massie wrote. “But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution. I’m introducing a bipartisan war powers resolution tomorrow to prohibit our involvement.”
Concerns about U.S. intervention escalated after Trump, in a public address, urged residents of Tehran to “immediately evacuate,” a move that triggered panic in the densely populated capital and raised alarm among human rights advocates and anti-war groups.
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemned Trump’s statement as “both reckless and disturbing,” adding that “Tehran is one of the most populous cities in the world, home to ten million people and many millions more in the surrounding suburbs.”
“While many have tried to flee Israel’s campaign of terror, the fact is that many cannot flee—the elderly, or those who can’t get gas amid war shortages, and those who have nowhere to go,” NIAC said. “We hope that this does not mean an unauthorized U.S. entry into the war, or that he has knowledge of further depraved attacks from Israel.”
“There is a choice before Trump: take the pathway of peace by telling Bibi to stop the war, or join with a war criminal and wreak further havoc and endanger U.S. troops in a fight that isn’t ours,” the group added.
Foreign policy advocates also framed the debate as a test of democratic accountability. Erik Sperling, executive director of Just Foreign Policy, wrote, “American voters can thank Tim Kaine for forcing every Senator to have to choose a side: diplomacy or more endless war.”
The organization further noted the stakes for Democrats: “A key question is how many Senate Dems will still oppose unauthorized U.S. war on Iran, and how many will betray Americans and support Netanyahu.”
With Israeli airstrikes continuing into a fifth consecutive day, and Trump refusing to rule out U.S. involvement, the legislative fight is rapidly gaining urgency. Kaine’s resolution, because of its privileged status, will likely receive a Senate floor vote within days. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting in the House for swift adoption of its counterpart bill.
Lawmakers who support the effort say the outcome will determine whether the United States abides by its constitutional checks and balances or returns to a pattern of unauthorized military action that has defined much of the post-9/11 era.
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