Barrett Votes Again To Limit Operations In Iran Absent Authorization From Congress

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) again voted in support of a measure (H.Con.Res. 86) to require authorization from Congress before continuing military operations in Iran. The resolution passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 215-208.

Barrett voted in support of a similar resolution (H.Con.Res. 75) last month that failed by a vote of 212-212.

"Congress has the exclusive authority under the Constitution to declare war and authorize the use of force," said Barrett. "The War Powers Act of 1973 delegates some of that authority to the president for a limited period of time. That authority has expired, so my consistent belief is that it is time for Congress to decide the scope of the mission and the appropriate limits on the use of force in Iran."

Barrett is the first and only member of Congress to introduce an Authorization for Use of Military Force (H.J.Res. 176) for the conflict in Iran. Specifically, this AUMF he introduced in May would give President Trump congressional authority until July 30 to successfully demolish, degrade, or defeat Iran's nuclear weapons program without putting American boots on the ground or engaging in nation-building. It includes:

Clear Mission Objectives:

• Demolish, degrade, or defeat Iran's nuclear weapons program and associated delivery systems;
• Address imminent threats to our Armed Forces or U.S. facilities by Iran or Iranian proxies;
• Enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz while ensuring safe passage for U.S. and allied vessels.

Authorization Prohibitions To Limit Escalation:

• No boots on the ground, except for rescue missions and intelligence collection;
• No nation-building or establishing long-term governance of Iran;
• No occupying or seizing territory within Iran.

Deadlines To Prevent An Endless War:

• A sunset expiration of July 30, 2026 - 90 days after the initial report of concluded military action was submitted to Congress on May 1;
• A limited wind-down period of 30 days to end the deployment or engagement of the Armed Forces.

Reporting Requirements To Congress:

• Every 30 days, the president must provide Congress with a description of military operations taken pursuant to the AUMF or conducted in reliance on other authorities;
• An explanation of the legal authority and policy justification for each action and operation taken;
• An assessment of civilian and military casualties.

CLICK HERE to read the full Authorization for Use of Military Force.