Rep. Eshoo Introduces Bill Outlawing Iran Retribution

PALO ALTO, CA -- To avert any clear and present danger, U.S. Reps. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, has joined Republican congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina in co-authoring the Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act. The legislation prohibits the use of any funds for military operations in or against Iran without congressional authorization.

In doing so, Eshoo and Jones are firing a warning shot across the bow in response to tepid relations in recent days and continued threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action against Iran. The federal government withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the Iran Nuclear Agreement. In impulsive actions and statements, Trump is demonstrating a quasi all bets are off way of governing as his preferred means of negotiating.

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 United States doesn't have a stellar track record when one considers the covert operations.

“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,” 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.”

--Image courtesy of U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo's Washington, D.C. office