Vermont Democrat Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced the law on Monday to prevent the use of federal funds against the “illegal war” in Iran without Congressional approval, Mee reported.
Sanders introduced “war of war against Iranian law.” This includes exceptions to self-defense as set out in the War Powers Act and applicable US law.
The move prompted Tehran to launch a retaliatory strike after Israel launched unprovoked airstrikes and drone attacks on Friday. There was concern that President Donald Trump would take part in the conflict to support Israel.
Hundreds of Iranians have been killed in Israel’s attacks, and at least 24 have been killed in retaliatory strikes in Israel.
Sanders was joined by Democratic Sen. Peter Welch. Elizabeth Warren; Jeff Markley; Chris Van Hollen; Ed Markey. Tammy Baldwin; Tina Smith.
Sanders condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “reckless and illegal attacks” on Iran, saying that “there is a risk of violating international law and igniting regional wars.”
“It is essential to make it clear that the President does not have the authority to undertake another costly war without explicit permission from Congress,” Sanders said in a statement Monday.
“Another war in the Middle East could cost countless lives, waste more dollars, and lead to more deaths, more conflicts, and more evacuation,” he added.
On Facebook, Sanders denounced Netanyahu in a US nuclear speech that “deliberately obstructed” him.
Meanwhile, Senator Welch said there was already sufficient war in the Middle East.
“The war has seriously hurt the area. Millions of civilians face acute hunger and need life-saving aid in Gaza. Netanyahu has just improved US-led negotiations to support reckless escalating Iran’s nuclear program.”
Warren, Merckley, Van Hollen, and Markey reiterated the need for Congress, not Trump, to decide whether to go to war or not.
Earlier Monday, Sen. Tim Kane, also a Democrat, introduced a war power resolution that prohibits US troops from taking direct action against Iran without express permission from Congress or a declaration of war.
Kane said he was “deeply concerned” that hostilities between Israel and Iran could soon draw the United States into another “eternal war.”
“Unless that war is absolutely necessary to protect the United States, it is not in national security interest to enter into a war with Iran,” Kane said in a statement.
“The American people are not interested in sending service members to fight another eternal war in the Middle East. I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran will soon be able to draw the United States into another endless conflict,” Kane said.