This morning, February 13th, 2020, the Senate passed the Iran War Powers resolution to try and rein in President Trump’s powers after he escalated tensions with Iran. The resolution had bipartisan support, with a 55-45 victory in favor of the document’s passing. Besides the large amount of Democrats that voted in favor of it, eight other Republican senators supported it as well, including the likes of Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy. Similar to the War Powers Act, this resolution specifically prevents the president from executing orders in the Armed Forces for hostilities towards the Islamic Republic of Iran without authorization.
In response to the passing of this resolution, President Trump responded on Twitter claiming that limiting his power would leave Iran to have a “field day.” Additionally, despite gaining some support by Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell strongly opposes the measure. Senator Tim Kaine, the main author of the resolution, explained later that the resolution was not specifically guided towards President Trump. Rather, it would apply equally to every president. Fundamentally, its purpose is to give Congress the responsibility of the “most significant decision [they] should ever have to make.”
Reaction:
In response to the passing of this resolution, President Trump responded on Twitter claiming that limiting his power would leave Iran to have a “field day.” Additionally, despite gaining some support by Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell strongly opposes the measure. Senator Tim Kaine, the main author of the resolution, explained later that the resolution was not specifically guided towards President Trump. Rather, it would apply equally to every president. Fundamentally, its purpose is to give Congress the responsibility of the “most significant decision [they] should ever have to make.”
Reaction:
I support the Senate movement on this resolution. I find that it is a necessary and proper measure of checks and balances that would limit the power of the executive branch and give the rightful authority to Congress. Furthermore, this resolution only reinforces language within the Constitution itself that gives Congress the power to declare war, not the president. Trump’s action in Tehran was not in accordance with war power laws in the US, so it is rightful that the Senate pass such a resolution to prevent it from happening in the future.
Questions:
- Do you think the Senate made the right call to pass this resolution?
- How do you think this resolution will affect Trump’s control of the situation in Iran?
I think the Senate made the right call to pass this resolution because it is important for the presidential powers to be kept in check so they don’t expand too much. Also, even though it was a pretty bipartisan vote, the fact that some of the Republicans crossed over and voted for this to pass indicates that it’s more of a balance of powers issue than party issue compared to some of the other pieces of legislation the Senate has debated. I think this will cause Trump’s advisers to monitor his decisions that have to do with Iran a little more closely. It also serves as a reminder to Trump and future presidents that there is a balance of powers and Congress has the ability to limit the president’s power.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with Marisa that it's good to see the checks and balances working properly. The slight shift away from voting along partisan lines allowed for this crucial war powers resolution to be passed. In my opinion, the Senate made the right call here. It is dangerous to have the head of our country dishing out threats or being more aggressive than our population is as a whole, and as the primary representation of the public, it is important that what he says and does does not get out of hand. I think Trump will be upset about not having his way, but now that authorization requirement is in place, his power is checked on so he will have a lessened role as an instigator.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the people above in that the Iran War Powers was a good move by the Congress to keep the president's power in check. I think that such a move is sometimes necessary to ensure that Congress is ultimately the one to be able to declare war, not the president, as was stated in the Constitution. As Tim Kaine, a Democratic Senator from Virginia, explained, the measure was not directly targeted at Trump, but rather towards all presidents. Therefore, I think that this was a fair move that simply utilizes checks and balances to keep the separation of powers in place.
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