CMEP Action Alert: Ask Your Senator to Support the Senate’s Iran War Powers Resolution
Sen. Tim Kaine introduced Senate Joint Resolution 59 on June 16th, 2025 because of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, along with the possibility of the U.S. entering the conflict. The war powers resolution is intended to quickly determine whether the Senate will allow the U.S. to deploy American troops and airpower against Iran. The resolution was introduced before the White House’s June 21st announcement that the U.S. had struck three separate sites in Iran linked to the Iranian nuclear program.
Congress is given sole power to authorize war. While we are grateful for the ceasefire between Iran and Israel announced on June 23rd, Congress still must ensure it reasserts its authority to prevent any future unauthorized strikes against Iran.
The legislation cites the War Powers Resolution of 1973 as its legal basis. The War Powers Resolution requires the President to seek Congressional approval to enter armed conflict unless there is an attack on the U.S. or its armed forces. This means the President and both chambers of Congress must resolve whether U.S. troops may be used in combat with a foreign nation within 60 days, with a possible 30 day extension if necessary. The resolution requires Congressional action within that 60 day period, and sought to reassert Congressional oversight following the Vietnam War.
Without Congressional approval and consistent oversight on the American military, the White House could embroil the U.S. in another unnecessary, long term war in the Middle East. This will undoubtedly contribute to the continuing suffering of civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, Iran, and a host of other countries. Sen. Kaine’s resolution could prevent the Trump Administration from forcing American entry into the conflict with Iran.