The US House of Representatives passed a resolution to limit US President Donald Trump’s powers to launch an attack on Iran. The resolution will be sent to Trump for approval but he has said that he’ll veto it and warned against tying his hands. The resolution states that Trump will have to get Congress’ approval before engaging in action against Iran. The resolution, introduced by Senate Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, passed the Senate last month with bipartisan support despite President Donald Trump’s vocal opposition to it.
The President warned the Senate not to green-light the measure last month ahead of its passage, tweeting, “It is very important for our country’s security that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution,” and adding, “If my hands were tied, Iran would have a field day.”
The resolution “directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.”
It includes a provision ensuring the President would still be able to defend the United States from “imminent attack” absent congressional approval.
Kaine introduced the War Powers resolution last month following the President’s decision to order a strike that killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.
The House passed a similar resolution in January, but it was non-binding and not identical to the Iran War Powers resolution introduced by Kaine.
