Latest news with #NoWarAgainstIranAct
New York Post
13 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Fetterman slams fellow Dems for ‘crazy' rhetoric, criticism of DC military parade
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., blasted his own party's more progressive wing while responding to protesters who booed his name during the 'No Kings Day' rally in Philadelphia. 'I'm not sure why Democrats would boo a fellow Democrat, but that's their prerogative,' he told 'America's Newsroom' Tuesday. The swing state Democrat, who has broken with his party on a number of issues in the past, went on to criticize many of his fellow party members' ire towards last weekend's military parade organized to commemorate 250 years of the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C. 'There was no goose-stepping, and… first of all, stop ever comparing anyone, anything, to the Nazis and those kinds of things. That's crazy,' he said. 'And now remember, that's our soldiers. This is not an occupying force, and this is the 250th anniversary of the Army. I'm not sure why it's outrageous to have a parade to celebrate the Army…. That's not anything extreme. It's celebrating a quarter of a millennia of the American Army. I don't understand why that's controversial.' 3 Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., talks to reporters outside the chamber during a vote at the Capitol in Washington, March 13, 2025. AP Fetterman also doubled down on his 'unapologetic' support for Israel in its tussle with Iran, breaking with some on the left, like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who introduced the 'No War Against Iran Act' to block U.S. military action without congressional approval. Fetterman, warning that Iran has 'nuclear ambitions' and that the U.S. cannot allow the terrorism-sponsoring nation to acquire a bomb, plans to 'vote that down.' 'I am always going to stand with Israel through this,' he said. 3 U.S. President Donald Trump salutes during the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday parade, on the same day of U.S. President Donald Trump 79th birthday, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 14, 2025. REUTERS 3 Members of the U.S. Army participate in the 250th birthday parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Getty Images 'Now, if I am an outlier and Democratic, I guess perhaps [I am]. I am unapologetically very pro-Israel…. [Iran has] Hamas and Hezbollah, so now let's hold them accountable for this.' Fetterman also broke ranks by saying he 'absolutely' supports efforts to remove criminal illegal immigrants from communities in larger cities he represents. 'Absolutely target the criminals that are here illegally and deport them… No one should be here illegally if they have a criminal record or are engaging in criminal behavior,' he said. He added the caveat that otherwise law-abiding 'hardworking migrants' should not be targeted.
14 hours ago
- Politics
Lawmakers aim to stop U.S. from joining Israel's military campaign against Iran
As Israel and Iran continue to trade strikes in the Middle East, lawmakers are set to introduce bills and resolution aimed at preventing the United States from getting involved in Israel's military campaign against Iran. While the efforts are in their early stages, the legislation is unlikely to garner sufficient support to override the will of President Donald Trump and his supportive Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday introduced a resolution he says will "prevent war with Iran" as he expresses concern at the idea that the U.S may get involved in Israel's campaign against Iran. 'It is not in our national security interest to get into a war with Iran unless that war is absolutely necessary to defend the United States. I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict,' Kaine, D-Va., said. 'The American people have no interest in sending service members to fight another forever war in the Middle East. This resolution will ensure that if we decide to place our nation's men and women in uniform into harm's way, we will have a debate and vote on it in Congress.' Separately, Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced the No War Against Iran Act on Monday to "prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran absent specific Congressional authorization." Sanders has several co-sponsors including Democratic Sens. Peter Welch of Vermont, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, and Tina Smith of Minnesota. '[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's reckless and illegal attacks violate international law and risk igniting a regional war. Congress must make it clear that the United States will not be dragged into Netanyahu's war of choice,' Sanders wrote in a statement. 'Our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of war and peace exclusively to the people's elected representatives in Congress, and it is imperative that we make clear that the President has no authority to embark on another costly war without explicit authorization by Congress.' Senate Majority Leader John Thune avoided saying whether he would put Kaine's resolution on the Senate floor when asked on Tuesday. He said that any action on the matter would be 'getting the cart ahead of the horse,' but that there could be a more 'fulsome discussion' later on what the role of Congress should be amid the conflict. 'This is something that's happened the last few days. I think the President is perfectly within his authority in the steps that he has taken. You know clearly, if this thing were to extend for some period of time, there could be a more fulsome discussion about what the role of Congress should be, and and and whether or not we need to take action,' Thune said. A resolution is a statement or expression of a sentiment that, if passed, has no legal authority. An act has legal authority, but even if passed by the Republican-controlled Congress, it would have to be signed into law by Trump. In the House, Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie joined California Democrat Ro Khanna to introduce a bipartisan War Powers resolution on Tuesday meant to ensure that Congress asserts its constitutional authority to declare war under 50 U.S. Code Ch. 33. "This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution," Massie said. "I'm introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution tomorrow to prohibit our involvement. I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolution." Khanna, one of the bill's initial cosponsors, quote tweeted Massie's post, calling for "No war in Iran," and equating the current situation in Iran to Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 2003 invasion of Iraq. "No war in Iran. It's time for every member to go on record. Are you with the neocons who led us into Iraq or do you stand with the American people?" Khanna posted. "I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie that is privileged and must receive a vote," Shortly after Massie's and Khanna's posts, New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow Squad member Rashida Tlaib of Michigan expressed their support for the effort. Ocasio-Cortez, in a reply to Massie, said that she would be "signing on," to the resolution. In her post, Tlaib, said that the American people wouldn't fall for "it" again, contrasting today's debate on Iran's nuclear capabilities to October of 2002, when Congress approved a bipartisan Authorization for the Use of Military Force ahead of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. "I look forward to supporting this War Powers Resolution. The American people aren't falling for it again," Tlaib said. "We were lied to about "weapons of mass destruction" in Iraq that killed millions (plus) forever changed lives. It's (unconstitutional) for Trump to go to war without a vote in Congress."
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers are coming together to try to muzzle Trump on war with Iran. Good.
President Donald Trump's rhetoric about Iran seems to grow more belligerent by the hour. Over the weekend, he said that 'it's possible we could get involved' in Israel's military strikes on Iran. On Monday, he warned residents of Tehran to 'evacuate immediately.' And Tuesday, he wrote that 'our patience is wearing thin.' Already, though, lawmakers from both parties are taking steps to try to prevent Trump from entering the fray. While the level of support for the resolutions is still unclear, these developments are welcome steps for building an anti-war coalition. Axios reported that Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., 'announced plans to introduce a resolution on Tuesday that asserts the requirement of Congress' approval if Trump wants to commit armed forces to military action in the region.' 'This is not our war,' Massie posted on X. 'But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.' Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar responded to the post with 'signing on.' In the Senate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has introduced a war powers resolution, which would, according to Axios, 'require congressional debate and a vote to authorize U.S. entry into the Israel-Iran conflict short of defending against imminent Iranian attacks.' And on Monday, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced the No War Against Iran Act, which would 'prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran absent specific Congressional authorization.' Seven Democratic senators have already backed the bill, including Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Ed Markey of Massachusetts. That Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, and Khanna, a progressive, are joining forces speaks to the possibility for a bipartisan coalition against war with Iran. MAGA commentators, activists and politicians are divided on involvement with Iran, since a key tenet of 'America First' ideology is to avoid intervention in foreign conflicts. The biggest challenge facing these congressional efforts may be keeping up with the pace of events. Before Israel struck Iran last week, Trump had publicly opposed strikes and favored negotiations. It remains unclear how much Trump is reacting in an ad hoc manner to what Secretary of State Marco Rubio called 'unilateral' action by Israel, which has reportedly killed scores of civilians. Whether Trump's recent actions were planned or unplanned, the U.S. now is at risk of entering a war that Trump claimed to have no interest in initiating. A united front against war with Iran on the left is important. But ultimately pressure from the right could be the most potent influence on Trump as he eyes yet another American war in the Middle East. This article was originally published on
Middle East Eye
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Bernie Sanders leads Democratic effort in Congress to ward off war with Iran
Democratic US Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont introduced legislation on Monday to prevent the use of federal funds for any "illegal wars' in or against Iran without approval from Congress. Sanders introduced the "No War Against Iran Act", which contains an exception for self-defence as enshrined in the War Powers Act and applicable US law. The move follows Israel launching unprovoked air strikes and drone attacks on Iran on Friday, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes. There has been concern that President Donald Trump will enter the conflict in support of Israel. Hundreds of Iranians have been killed in the Israeli attacks, with at least 24 people killed in retaliatory strikes in Israel. Sanders is joined on this legislation by Democratic Senators Peter Welch; Elizabeth Warren; Jeff Merkley; Chris Van Hollen; Ed Markey; Tammy Baldwin; and Tina Smith. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Sanders condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 'reckless and illegal attacks' on Iran and said they 'violate international law and risk igniting a regional war'. 'It is imperative that we make clear that the President has no authority to embark on another costly war without explicit authorization by Congress,' Sanders said in a statement on Monday. 'Another war in the Middle East could cost countless lives, waste trillions more dollars and lead to even more deaths, more conflict, and more displacement,' he added. On Facebook, Sanders also accused Netanyahu of 'deliberately sabotaging' US-Iran nuclear talks. Meanwhile, Senator Welch said that there had already been enough war in the Middle East. 'War has badly damaged this region. Millions of civilians face acute hunger and need lifesaving aid in Gaza right now. Netanyahu just upended US-led negotiations to limit Iran's nuclear program in favor of recklessly escalating tensions.' Warren, Merkley, Van Hollen, and Markey also reiterated the need for Congress, rather than Trump, to decide whether or not to go to war. Congress decides Earlier on Monday, Senator Tim Kaine, also a Democrat, introduced a war powers resolution that would prohibit US armed forces from taking direct action against Iran without explicit authorisation from Congress or a declaration of war. Kaine said he was 'deeply concerned' that hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another 'forever war'. 'It is not in our national security interest to get into a war with Iran unless that war is absolutely necessary to defend the US,' Kaine said in a statement. 'The American people have no interest in sending service members to fight another forever war in the Middle East. I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the US into another endless conflict,' said Kaine. Netanyahu wants regime change in Iran. Is Trump on board? Read More » However, both measures face an uphill battle in Congress, which is under Republican control. Despite some "Make America Great Again" or "America First" Republicans who oppose the US getting involved in wars abroad, they have been mostly unwilling or unable to challenge Donald Trump's authority. While Sanders has previously forced votes on resolutions to block arms sales to Israel, he has faced criticism for not being critical of Israel's war on Gaza early enough. More recently, the Democrats faced criticism in April after a "Free Palestine" flag unfurled by pro-Palestine activists at a rally in the state of Idaho was taken down, and the protesters were ejected from the venue. More than 12,500 people turned out at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho, to hear Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speak. They both urged attendees to rise above political divisions and resist what they called the increasing influence of billionaires over American politics. Dubbed as "The Fighting Oligarchy Tour" on Sanders' website, the two politicians said they aim to "have real discussions across America on how we move forward to take on the Oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country". But at the Idaho leg of the tour, Sanders faced backlash for not reacting to the police treatment of the protesters during or after the rally.
