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Massie, Khanna Lead Resolution to Block U.S. Iran War

Sandy Verma | June 18, 2025 12:24 AM CST

Massie, Khanna Lead Resolution to Block U.S. Iran War/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna are co-leading a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at preventing U.S. involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The measure is drawing support from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Critics argue the U.S. must stand with Israel to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.

Left: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Right: Rep. Thomas Massie.

U.S. War Powers Resolution Quick Looks

New resolution filed: Aims to block U.S. entry into Israel-Iran war.
Bipartisan push: Rep. Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Khanna (D-Calif.) co-lead initiative.
AOC, Tlaib sign on: Progressive Democrats support anti-war measure.
Critics push back: GOP voices warn against abandoning Israel in crisis.
Senate echo: Sen. Tim Kaine introduces parallel joint resolution.
Trump not authorized: Move asserts war powers must go through Congress.

FILE – Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., speaks at a hearing Oct. 28, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. President Joe Biden’s increasingly stark warnings about Trump-fueled elements of the Republican Party are making up the core part of his midterm message, combined with repeated reminders to voters about recent Democratic accomplishments and a promise that democracy can still produce results for the American people. Khanna, said that “politics is somewhat like a team sport, and the president is the quarterback.” (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Massie, Khanna Lead Resolution to Block U.S. Iran War

Deep Look

Lawmakers Unite to Curb Presidential War Powers

In response to rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at blocking U.S. military involvement unless explicitly approved by Congress.

Massie’s effort has drawn cross-party supportmost notably from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)who said he is “proud to co-lead” the resolution.

Progressive Democrats Back Resolution

Key progressive voices — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.) and Rep. Rashed Tlaibe (D-Mich.) — signaled their support.

Republican Opposition Emerges

Opposition was quick to form, particularly from within the Republican Party.

Senate Introduces Similar Legislation

Across the Capitol, Late. Tim Kaine (D-VA.) introduced a joint resolution that mirrors the House’s effort, aiming to block military engagement unless formally authorized by Congress.

Kaine’s resolution underscores growing bipartisan concern over unchecked executive war powersparticularly as tensions escalate and fears of a broader conflict rise.

Background: Tensions on the Rise

The resolution comes amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes is Iran and Iranian missile attacks that have killed at least 24including damaging a U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv.
President Donald Trump has increased military readiness but has not asked Congress for war authorization, prompting legal and constitutional questions about executive authority.

Historical Echoes and Political Stakes

The effort to assert congressional war powers draws parallels to debates surrounding the Iraq War and post-9/11 military authorizations. Many Democrats — and a rising number of libertarian-leaning Republicans — argue that unchecked military action led to long-term conflicts with little oversight.
This new resolution, if passed, could force lawmakers to take a public stand on whether the U.S. should become militarily involved in the Middle East once again.