Inside Sloktin's Measure To Limit Trump In Iran

MICHIGAN —U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s (MI-08) War Powers Resolution passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week with bipartisan support. The resolution requires President Trump to seek the Authorization for Use of Military Force before taking the country into a protracted war with Iran.

Slotkin, who represents regions including Rochester Hills, is a former CIA analyst and Shia militia expert who served three tours in Iraq focusing on Iranian-backed militias, and as a senior Pentagon official focused on the region. Her resolution reiterates that only Congress can declare war.

What is the resolution exactly?

The resolution makes clear that Congress has not authorized the use of military force against Iran, and reaffirms the limits imposed on the President under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 (WPR). Pursuant to the WPR, this resolution directs the President to terminate the use of the United States military in hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorized them, or their use is necessary to defend against an imminent armed attack on the United States or our armed forces. “

This War Powers Resolution states the President of the United States must consult Congress before going to war with Iran — this is simply what our Constitution requires, and I’m pleased that this bill has support from both Republicans and Democrats,” Slotkin said on the floor of the U.S. House. “For me this is not a theoretical exercise, my husband spent 30 years in the Army, and retired as a Colonel, my stepdaughter is a brand-new Army officer, and my son in law's unit is stationed at Al-Asad Air Base, which was just targeted by ballistic missiles this week. If our loved ones are going to be sent to fight in any protracted war, the president owes the American public, a conversation. This resolution allows us to start the debate as our founders intended.”

Why do leaders support it?

Local democrats echoed their support for Slotkin's measure soon after the vote was final.

On Thursday, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to assert Congressional authority over military actions that could lead to war with Iran.

“The American people do not want a war with Iran, and I strongly believe such a war would be disastrous. This precarious situation has reaffirmed my belief that Congress must play a central role in the decision to go to war. That is why I voted to support this resolution," she said. “Our top priorities must be protecting American lives, preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and de-escalating the situation in the Middle East to avoid a disastrous war. This resolution does not stop the United States from acting in self-defense, preventing an imminent threat, or supporting our allies around the world. However, if President Trump decides to take military actions that could spark a major conflict and endanger U.S. servicemembers and diplomats, he must first consult with Congress, as intended by our Founders.”

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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) said she continues to be concerned about an escalation of military involvement in the Middle East and the potential for war.

"Such action puts US service-men and -women and their families, diplomats, and Americans overseas in significant danger, as well as contributes to instability in the Mideast and the world," she said after the vote. "Those serving in the military are all our sons and daughters. We have to do everything we can to prevent war. Former Michigan Senator Arthur Vandenberg observed in 1948 that ‘politics stops at the waters edge.’ We must be diligent and united in working towards the goal of preventing war. Escalating tension in the Mideast makes America less safe."

Dingell added that the 1973 War Powers Act – which was passed in the wake of the Vietnam War to prevent another drawn-out, undeclared war – makes clear that only Congress can declare war or sustained military conflict.

"The President must work with Congress," she said. “We are Americans who must all work together to put forward a coherent, robust strategy to de-escalate tensions with Iran. Diplomacy, not military action, must come first. I will do everything possible working with my colleagues to accomplish this, to prevent war and protect our national security.”

Leaders, like Slotkin, still acknowledged the need to address activity in the region.

“Let me be clear: The government of Iran is a leading state sponsor of terrorism and engages in a range of destabilizing activities across the Middle East,” Slotkin said. “I have experienced these personally as a former CIA analyst. I served three tours in Iraq, and my specialty was to follow Iranian backed Shia militias operating in Iraq. I have followed Iran’s destabilizing activity in Iraq up close, for my entire professional career. I've watched friends and colleagues hurt or killed by Iranian rockets mortars and explosive devices. Qassem Soleimani was the lead architect of much Iran's destabilizing activities in the Middle East and throughout the world. To that end, with Iran, or with any other adversary, the United States, always has the inherent right and obligation to self defense against imminent armed attacks. Always. And the United States, always maintains the right and the responsibility to ensure the safety of our diplomatic personnel and our armed forces serving abroad.”

However, it boils down to Congress having the power to declare war, she added.

“The framers of our constitution rightly believed that the power to declare war belongs in the Congress, because this would ensure that the American people, through the legislators they elected, would weigh the most significant decision a government can make,” Slotkin said. “As someone who spent her career in national security it is extremely important to me that this resolution in no way ties the President's hands or takes away any capabilities from our military commanders to respond in self defense for ourselves and for our allies.”

Slotkin ended by reminding everyone that the United States has been engaged with war for nearly two decades, spanning both Republican and Democratic administrations, saying "...in that time Congress has only voted twice to authorize the use of military force, in 2001 and 2002."

READ: Tensions With Iran Could Reshape Democratic Primary

Dig into the Resolution:

Iran Resolution by Feroze Dhano on Scribd

Those opposed to it

Republicans say the resolution is not binding.

Eight Democrats outside of Michigan broke with their party on Thursday to vote against measure: Reps. Ben McAdams of Utah, Joe Cunningham of South Carolina, Elaine Luria of Virginia, Kendra Horn of Oklahoma, Stephanie Murphy of Florida, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, and Max Rose and Anthony Brindisi of New York all opposed the resolution.

The measure, which passed by a nearly party line vote of 224-194 on Thursday evening, will next go to the Senate.