The bipartisan War Powers Resolution introduced by Ro
Khanna and Thomas Massie is not a procedural nuisance; it is a
reaffirmation of the separation of powers. The Constitution vests the authority
to declare war in Congress precisely to prevent unilateral military adventures
driven by miscalculation, political impulse, or external pressure. Requiring
explicit authorization before striking Iran is the minimum safeguard, not an
obstacle to national security.
Recent commentary paints a troubling picture: ultimatums
that touch Iran’s declared red lines, paired with skepticism that genuine
negotiations are underway. Whether one accepts that assessment or not, prudence
demands congressional oversight. Wars have begun on thinner evidence and with
greater confidence than hindsight could justify. Iraq remains the cautionary
tale of intelligence failures, inflated expectations, and consequences that
lasted decades.
The risks today are neither abstract nor distant. Iranian
officials have hinted that a broader US strike would trigger severe
retaliation. Even limited exchanges could endanger American troops, destabilize
energy markets, and ignite a regional escalation that engulfs allies and
civilians alike. Military action is easy to start, notoriously hard to contain.
Civil society groups—from Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR) to the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
and CodePink—are urging Congress to act. Their arguments vary, but
converge on a central point: another Middle East war would be devastating and
avoidable. Lawmakers should heed that warning without surrendering to alarmism.
The question is not whether Iran poses challenges; it is whether bypassing
Congress improves outcomes.
This is a moment for institutional responsibility. Debate
the intelligence. Scrutinize the objectives. Weigh the costs. Then vote. If
military action is truly necessary, the administration should be able to make
its case to the people’s representatives. If it cannot, that itself is an
answer.
Congress must draw the line—clearly, constitutionally, and
now.
