Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, voted today in favor of a resolution to limit President Trump’s ability to take future military action against Iran without congressional authorization.

“There is no doubt that Iranian General Soleimani was an enemy of the United States. However, Soleimani’s assassination was carried out without congressional consultation and endangered our servicemembers, diplomats and the American people by risking dangerous escalation with Iran,” Sewell said. “Under the Constitution, the power to declare war resides with Congress and, yet, the President sent thousands more American men and women to serve in the Middle East this week. It is critical that the Administration works with Congress to develop a forward-looking strategy focused on addressing Iran’s aggressive activity, protecting the American people and preventing further conflict in the region.”

The Administration claims its Iran-related military endeavors are in pursuance of the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), authorizing the use of the U.S. armed forces against those responsible for the attacks on September 11 and the 2002 AUMF approving the invasion of Iraq.

Following the United States’ withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement in May 2018 at President Trump’s direction, the Administration has pursued a “maximum pressure campaign,” further escalating tensions in the region.

The resolution now heads to the Senate, where it is considered privileged, meaning that it must be brought up for consideration. Also in the Senate, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) has introduced a similar resolution to limit the President’s war powers in Iran.