A group of 12 House Democratic military veterans has united in support of curbing President Donald Trump’s military authority following his approval of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. These veterans, with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, criticized Trump for initiating “preventive air strikes” without congressional approval, drawing parallels to past conflicts in the region. Led by Representative Pat Ryan, they emphasized the importance of avoiding the mistakes made before the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Their stance aligns with the growing momentum of multiple War Powers Act resolutions in Congress to limit the president’s military actions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is advocating for a vote to restrain Trump’s authority, with various Democratic factions drafting competing versions of the resolution. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 serves as a framework to restrict the president’s ability to deploy armed forces without congressional consent.

Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are championing a bipartisan resolution, while Democratic leaders on key committees are preparing an alternative approach. The veterans and other lawmakers are resolute in challenging the legality of Trump’s recent military actions, with calls for impeachment and accusations of executive overreach.

The issue resonates deeply with the veteran lawmakers, who emphasize the constitutional requirement for congressional approval before declaring war. Despite labeling Iran as “evil” and reaffirming support for Israel, they caution against the strategic limitations of military intervention. The dispute over military actions in the Middle East has highlighted divisions within both parties, with Trump’s provocative rhetoric further fueling the debate. Congressional leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of consultation from the administration before the recent airstrikes, underscoring the ongoing debate over presidential war powers.