Progressives push for votes to block funding for war against Iran | TheHill – The Hill

House progressives on Tuesday called for votes both on legislation to block funding for military action against Iran and on repealing the 2002 authorization of military force that would go beyond an expected vote this week to limit President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump offers Australian PM assistance in fighting widespread fires Trump administration officials begin drafting potential Iraq sanctions after Trump threat: report Pence to focus on US Iran policy in speech MORE's actions in the country.

Freshman Rep.Elissa SlotkinElissa SlotkinTrump and Pelosi clash over Iran, impeachment Schiff calls for open hearings on Trump's Iran actions Pelosi: House to vote on resolution limiting Trump's actions against Iran MORE(D-Mich.), a former CIA and Pentagon analyst who served multiple tours in Iraq and represents a competitive district, is expected to lead a still-unreleased resolution stating that the Trump administration's military hostilities with Iran must cease within 30 days if no further congressional action is taken.

Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are expected to back that resolution, but are also pushing for votes on additional bills to restrict the Trump administration's actions against Iran following an air strike last week that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.

Leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus called for "immediate floor action" on two other measures.

One from Rep. Ro KhannaRohit (Ro) KhannaTrump and Pelosi clash over Iran, impeachment Schumer: Senate must vote on resolution limiting Trump on Iran Sanders, Khanna introduce legislation to block funding for a war with Iran MORE (D-Calif.) would prohibit funds for offensive military force in or against Iran without prior authorization from Congress.

The other bill, previously introduced by Rep. Barbara LeeBarbara Jean LeeBorder Patrol denies claims of order to detain Iranian Americans Omar, Lee introduce House resolution preventing US military action against Iran not authorized by Congress Rep. Barbara Lee married in New Year's Eve ceremony MORE (D-Calif.) last year, would repeal the 2002 authorization of military force against Iraq, which the administration used as legal justification for the Soleimani strike.

In addition to the War Powers Resolution, we believe it is imperative to simultaneously pursue all avenues to prevent a disastrous war with Iran," Lee and the Progressive Caucus co-chairs, Reps. Mark PocanMark William PocanHouse votes to temporarily repeal Trump SALT deduction cap Overnight Defense: Senate sends 8B defense bill to Trump | Bill establishes Space Force, federal paid parental leave | House approves .4T spending package Majority of Hispanic Caucus votes against spending bill with wall funds MORE (D-Wis.) and Pramila JayapalPramila JayapalBorder Patrol denies claims of order to detain Iranian Americans Democrats worry impeachment acquittal will embolden Trump Jayapal criticizes Indian official for refusing to meet her: It's 'a sign of weakness' MORE (D-Wash.), said in a joint statement.

"Given the lack of any coherent strategy by the White House to de-escalate tensions and protect U.S. troops, regional partners, and innocent civilians, Congress must act swiftly to prevent another endless war," they added.

The House passed an annual defense authorization bill last summer that included the proposals from Khanna and Lee. But both of their measures were ultimately left out of the final version that Trump signed into law last month.

The War Powers resolution to be unveiled by Slotkin and Democratic leaders this week to limit the Trump administration's actions against Iran is expected to pass easily with widespread support from Democrats.

"As Members of Congress, our first responsibility is to keep the American people safe. For this reason, we are concerned that the Administration took this action without the consultation of Congress and without respect for Congresss war powers granted to it by the Constitution," Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiFacebook to issue rules banning deepfakes: report Rand Paul: Trump 'got bad advice' on killing of Soleimani Bolton shakes up impeachment debate MORE (D-Calif.) wrote in a letter to colleagues on Sunday.

A House vote on the resolution has not yet been scheduled but is expected later in the week.

Yet it's unlikely that Senate Republicans, who have largely backed Trump for ordering the strike that killed Soleimani, will support the measure to restrict his powers.

Congress did pass a resolution last year to force the Trump administration to end U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, but Trump vetoed it. An attempt to override Trump's veto in the Senate fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority.

Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoPence to focus on US Iran policy in speech Rand Paul: Trump 'got bad advice' on killing of Soleimani Trump strike torpedoes US-Iraq relationship MORE and Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperTrump administration officials begin drafting potential Iraq sanctions after Trump threat: report Pence to focus on US Iran policy in speech Pentagon chief says US will 'follow the laws of armed conflict' after Trump's Iran threats MORE, are slated to brief members of the House and Senate about Iran on Wednesday.

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Progressives push for votes to block funding for war against Iran | TheHill - The Hill

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