When Congress Decides to Play Nice: A War Powers Comedy

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In a most delightful twist of fate, Rep. Thomas Massie, that gallant knight from Kentucky, has gallantly paired with the dashing Rep. Ro Khanna of California to unveil a “bipartisan War Powers Resolution.” This splendid document aims to prevent the U.S. from wading into the murky waters of the Israel-Iran conflict without first securing a nod from the esteemed Congress. How very civilized! 🕊️

‘This Is Not Our War’: Massie Files Resolution to Rein In Military Action Under Congressional Powers

On this fine Tuesday, Thomas Massie, a Republican of some repute, has joined forces with the ever-charming Democrat Ro Khanna to unveil a resolution that seeks to keep the U.S. from diving headfirst into the Israel-Iran fray. This noble endeavor follows closely on the heels of Sen. Tim Kaine’s, D-Va., introduction of a similar measure. Kaine’s version, bless his heart, calls for a “prompt debate and vote prior to using any U.S. military force against Iran.” How quaint! 🧐

Massie’s proposal, a mirror of Kaine’s intent, was shared on the platform X, where the Kentucky congressman proclaimed:

This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution. A rather clever dodge, wouldn’t you say? 😏

For decades, U.S. presidents have played a delightful game of “who can authorize military action without Congress?”—a pattern shaped by ever-shifting legal interpretations and the delightful push-and-pull of political priorities. While the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive right to declare war, it simultaneously appoints the president as commander-in-chief, creating a delightful tug-of-war over who truly holds the reins of military power. Oh, the irony! 🎭

Since World War II, not a single president has bothered to ask Congress for a formal war declaration. Instead, they’ve leaned on sweeping legislative authorizations—like the post-9/11 Authorization for Use of Military Force—along with implied congressional support or unilateral executive action to justify military engagement. After Massie’s post on X, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., responded that she intends to sign on with the resolution. A true show of solidarity! 🤝

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has been quite the chatterbox on Truth Social regarding the Middle East conflict. “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,” he wrote at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time. In an earlier post, Trump declared, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.” Such a delicate balance of diplomacy! 😅

He also claimed that Iran’s airspace is now firmly under control. The U.S. President wrote:

We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA. A rather boastful claim, wouldn’t you agree? 🇺🇸

The introduction of bipartisan measures signals a growing unease in Washington over unchecked executive war powers, especially amid rapidly unfolding events abroad. As rhetoric intensifies and military posturing escalates, lawmakers from both parties appear eager to reassert congressional authority. Whether this legislative push gains traction may depend not only on principle—but on how close the nation teeters toward open conflict. A delightful spectacle indeed! 🎉

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2025-06-17 22:37