Eshoo, Jones Introduce Legislation Prohibiting Military Operations Against Iran Without Congressional Consent

December 13th, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Representatives Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Walter Jones (R-NC) introduced the Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act, legislation prohibiting the use of any funds for military operations in or against Iran without Congressional authorization. The legislation follows continued threats from the President to take military action against Iran after withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran Nuclear Agreement. The Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act will ensure any decision to take military action against Iran must first be authorized by Congress which has the sole authority to declare war under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

“The President’s decision to walk away from the JCPOA is an abdication of U.S. global leadership and his continued threats to wage war against Iran leaves our country without any clear strategy for preventing a nuclear-armed Iran from moving forward,” Rep. Eshoo said. “Military action should only be used as a measure of last resort and this legislation will ensure that any decision to do so is debated and considered by Congress in front of the American people.”

“J Street applauds Representative Anna Eshoo and her colleagues for their leadership on this important bill. As the current Administration continues to violate the JCPOA and dangerously escalates tensions with Iran, now is the time for Congress to step in and remind President Trump that he does not have the authority to launch another war of choice in the Middle East,” said J Street, the political home for pro-Israel pro-peace Americans.

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