Arizona Democrat says it’s up to Congress, not Trump, to declare war in Iran

PHOENIX – U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona wants the Trump administration to get congressional authorization for the ongoing military campaign in Iran.

“It appears that we are in a war with Iran,” Stanton, a Democrat, told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Evening News on Monday. “This is exactly what the War Powers Act exists for. … Only Congress can declare war.”

The War Powers Act is a law passed in the early 1970s meant to divide authority over military action between Congress and the president.

“So, it is critical now that the president and his team present whatever evidence they have for this action that’s been taken. It looks like it’s going to be an ongoing action for weeks on end,” Stanton said.

Six American service members have been confirmed killed since the United States and Israel started striking Iran on Saturday. Stanton noted that the State Department has urged Americans to evacuate 14 Middle Eastern countries.

“So, it appears that this conflict is going to be expanding,” he said. “It is critical that this come before Congress and further action be authorized by Congress before we continue. This is exactly how our Constitution is set up, that Congress is the one that declares war on behalf of the United States of America.”

Stanton says Congress will vote on war powers after Pentagon briefing

Stanton explained that it takes two votes in Congress to authorize a war, the first for a war power resolution and the second to declare an act of war.

“The first vote is probably the most important one,” he said. “It should be unanimous by members of Congress that any act of war declaration has to come before Congress, whether you’re going to vote yes or no on the ultimate decision.”

The East Valley congressman said he was “left confused” about the reasons behind the military campaign in Iran based on what he’s seen and heard so far from President Donald Trump and the Department of Defense.

“You owe it to the American people that if you’re going to put American lives at risk, what are we trying to accomplish? And I think they have failed to do that so far,” he said.

Stanton said Congress will receive a classified briefing from Pentagon leadership before voting on war powers this week.

“They will hopefully tell us the reasons why they took this action, what was the imminent threat, and, most importantly, what is the objective?” he said.

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