Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., continues to push forward with his war powers resolution despite the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran. According to news reports, Kaine argues that the pause in hostilities allows Congress to have a deliberate conversation regarding its constitutional authority to declare war. This decision comes amidst a fragile ceasefire, which faced early issues, with President Trump accusing both sides of breaking the truce. Nevertheless, the ceasefire has so far held, although there is widespread skepticism about its longevity on Capitol Hill.
Kaine believes that the ceasefire actually gives his resolution more credibility, allowing for meaningful discussion without the pressure of imminent military action. He said, ‘I think the ceasefire actually gives us the ability to have the conversation without the pressure of like, ‘Oh, you know, [Trump’s] got to do a bombing run tomorrow night.’’ Kaine adds that the combination of the ceasefire and the Israelis’ decision to send back the nuclear program at least two or three years provides an opportunity for serious discussion on this issue. The resolution is designed to both put a check on Trump’s power and reaffirm Congress’ constitutional authority to declare war. However, questions remain about whether a strike like the one over the weekend constitutes an act of war requiring congressional approval, which has been a topic of debate among lawmakers.
A similar bipartisan resolution also emerged in the House of Representatives, with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., indicating that he might stand down if the ceasefire holds. Massie said, ‘If the ceasefire becomes a truce and holds, we won’t press for the vote. We need to hear from Iran and Israel, and also whether our own president is satisfied that the predicate for his first attack, nuclear weapons, no longer exists.’ Kaine’s resolution could be brought up for a vote by Friday in the Senate, but whether it will survive remains uncertain. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., has suggested that they should bring it up and vote it down. The resolution has the backing of Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who stated, ‘I support Tim. His approach to this is entirely consistent with the Constitution, and I wish the Senate would stand up as a body for its own rights and authority under the Constitution.’