House progressives on Tuesday called for votes on legislation to block funding for military action against Iran and on repealing the 2002 authorization of military force that would go beyond an expected vote this week to limit President Trump
Donald Trump Las Vegas hotel that defied coronavirus restrictions loses legal battle Menendez, Rubio ask Yellen to probe meatpacker JBS Vietnam shadow hangs over Biden decision on Afghanistan MORE's actions in the country.
Freshman Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Elissa SlotkinModerates revolt on infrastructure in new challenge for Pelosi House erupts in anger over Jan. 6 and Trump's role House passes host of bills to strengthen cybersecurity in wake of attacks MORE (D-Mich.), a former CIA and Pentagon analyst who served multiple tours in Iraq and represents a competitive district, is expected to lead a still-unreleased resolution stating that the Trump administration's military hostilities with Iran must cease within 30 days if no further congressional action is taken.
Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are expected to back that resolution but are also pushing for votes on additional bills to restrict the Trump administration's actions against Iran following an airstrike last week that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus called for "immediate floor action" on two other measures.
One from Rep. Ro Khanna
Rohit (Ro) KhannaRepublicans seek full tape behind Exxon sting The strange bipartisan push to give North Korea a peace treaty Khanna endorses Padilla, ending primary challenge speculation MORE (D-Calif.) would prohibit funds for offensive military force in or against Iran without prior authorization from Congress.
The other bill, previously introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee
Barbara Jean LeeFor real vaccine equity, invest in community-based solutions House passes sprawling spending bill ahead of fall shutdown fight House passes spending bill to boost Capitol Police and Hill staffer pay MORE (D-Calif.) last year, would repeal the 2002 authorization of military force against Iraq, which the administration used as legal justification for the Soleimani strike.
"In addition to the War Powers Resolution, we believe it is imperative to simultaneously pursue all avenues to prevent a disastrous war with Iran," Lee and Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairmen Mark Pocan
Mark William PocanPress: No, the progressive movement is not dead! Lawmakers can't reconcile weakening the SALT cap with progressive goals Overnight Defense: 6B Pentagon spending bill advances | Navy secretary nominee glides through hearing | Obstacles mount in Capitol security funding fight MORE (D-Wis.) and Pramila Jayapal
Pramila JayapalModerates revolt on infrastructure in new challenge for Pelosi Moderates vow to block budget to secure infrastructure funding It's now Pelosi's move on bipartisan roads bill MORE (D-Wash.) said in a joint statement.
"Given the lack of any coherent strategy by the White House to de-escalate tensions and protect U.S. troops, regional partners, and innocent civilians, Congress must act swiftly to prevent another endless war," they added.
The House passed an annual defense authorization bill last summer that included the proposals from Khanna and Lee. But both of their measures were ultimately left out of the final version that Trump signed into law last month.
The War Powers Resolution to be unveiled by Slotkin and Democratic leaders this week to limit the Trump administration's actions against Iran is expected to pass easily with widespread support from Democrats.
"As Members of Congress, our first responsibility is to keep the American people safe. For this reason, we are concerned that the Administration took this action without the consultation of Congress and without respect for Congress’s war powers granted to it by the Constitution," Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiOn The Money: Federal judge rejects effort to block eviction moratorium | Moderates revolt on infrastructure in new challenge for Pelosi | Consumer confidence plunges in August Moderates revolt on infrastructure in new challenge for Pelosi OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Republicans seek full tape behind Exxon sting | July was Earth's hottest month on record | Moderates vow to block budget to secure infrastructure funding MORE (D-Calif.) wrote in a letter to her colleagues on Sunday.
A House vote on the resolution has not yet been scheduled but is expected later in the week.
Yet it's unlikely that Senate Republicans, who have largely backed Trump for ordering the strike that killed Soleimani, will support the measure to restrict his powers.
Congress did pass a resolution last year to force the Trump administration to end U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, but Trump vetoed it. An attempt to override Trump's veto in the Senate fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority.
Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Mike PompeoPompeo to headline fundraiser for Youngkin Biden officials voice support for US assistance to Egypt amid criticisms of human rights American held in Russian prison released from solitary confinement MORE and Defense Secretary Mark Esper
Mark EsperOvernight Defense: Pentagon chief defends Milley after Trump book criticism | Addresses critical race theory | Top general says Taliban has 'strategic momentum' in war The Biden administration and Tunisia: Off to a good start Overnight Defense: Navy pulls plug on 0 million railgun effort | Esper defends Milley after Trump attacks | Navy vet charged in Jan. 6 riot wants trial moved MORE, are slated to brief members of the House and Senate about Iran on Wednesday.
