U.S. Congressman Terry Sewell Challenges Military Authority
U.S. Congressman Terry Sewell (D-AL07) has presented a resolution that restricts U.S. troops from engaging in hostilities against Iran without explicit permission from Congress. This action follows the Trump administration’s decision to cancel classified briefings for Congressional members regarding recent military actions in Iran.
The resolution aims to preserve military authority for defending the U.S. and its allies against imminent threats while placing limitations on broader offensive military operations absent Congressional consent.
This legislative measure was introduced on Monday by a group of lawmakers. Key figures include Jim Himez from the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Gregory W. Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Sewell expressed strong criticism of the administration for circumventing Congressional authority and neglecting to adequately inform lawmakers about its military strategies. “President Trump blatantly ignored the Constitution by taking offensive military action without Congressional approval. Now his administration refuses to come before Congress and provide answers,” Sewell stated. “The American people deserve to know his strategy, how he plans to ensure the safety of service members, and what measures are being taken to resolve this conflict.”
She urged Congress to “reaffirm its authority.” The resolution seeks to remove troops from hostilities against Iran, ensuring they can focus on protecting the nation and its allies from immediate threats.
This resolution comes on the heels of Operation Midnight Hammer, a military strike executed by the U.S. military at 6:45 PM EDT on June 21st. The U.S. Department of Defense reported that a B-2 Spirit bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base dropped 12 GBU-57 bombs on Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities, inflicted significant damage, and delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The Department of Defense referred to this operation as a historically successful strike, marking a notable achievement that had been 15 years in the making.
