Rep. Ilhan Omar Introduces War Powers Resolution in Response to Trump's 'Act of War'

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) introduced a War Powers Resolution Sunday to prevent the use of U.S. military force against Iran without congressional approval.

Omar joined Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) in introducing the resolution, which “underscores that Congress has the sole power to declare war,” Omar’s office said in a statement.

The resolution mandates that any hostilities with Iran must be explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force, but does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself against an imminent attack.

President Donald Trump’s administration defended its decision to attack Qasem Soleimani by claiming that he was “plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and personnel.”

Omar was one of many lawmakers to condemn Trump’s actions, saying she was “outraged” by his decision to “assassinate” Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, which is a designated terrorist organization.

“‪Let’s not mince words: the assassination of Qasem Soleimani was an act of war undertaken without Congressional authorization, in violation of the Constitution of the United States of America,” Omar said in a Sunday statement. “Following the assassination, thousands of additional troops were sent to the Middle East in one of the largest rapid deployments seen in decades. This follows years of saber-rattling and threats of war against Iran by President Trump and his accomplices. We in Congress must exercise our Constitutional duty—and do everything in our power to stop another disastrous war.”

Omar’s resolution is a companion to a resolution introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) in the U.S. Senate.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) announced early Monday morning that the House will take action on a resolution to “limit the president’s military actions regarding Iran.” Pelosi said Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08) will introduce a resolution in the House that will be similar to Kaine’s Senate resolution.

“It reasserts Congress’ long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken, the administration’s hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days,” Pelosi said in a letter to her Democratic colleagues, which was issued after Omar introduced her own resolution.

President Trump wrote on Twitter Saturday that the U.S. has targeted 52 Iranian sites in the event that “Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets.”

….targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020

“The President of the United States is threatening to commit war crimes on Twitter. God help us all,” Omar said in response.

The President of the United States is threatening to commit war crimes on Twitter.

God help us all! #25thAmendment https://t.co/nYZSvpo8rG

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 5, 2020

On Monday, Omar called on Trump to “immediately divest” from his global business ventures, which she said could be targeted by Iran.

“Iran could threaten Trump hotels worldwide and he could provoke war over the loss of revenue from skittish guests,” she said. “His business interests should not be driving military decisions.”

Trump needs to immediately divest from his businesses and comply with the emoluments clause. Iran could threaten Trump hotels *worldwide* and he could provoke war over the loss of revenue from skittish guests.

His business interests should not be driving military decisions.

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 6, 2020

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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Rep Ilhan Omar” by Rep. Ilhan Omar.