U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta announced on May 5 that he, along with Representatives Seth Moulton, Jason Crow, and several other Democratic veterans, has introduced a War Powers Resolution aimed at ending the President’s ongoing military engagement in Iran.
The resolution seeks to address concerns about prolonged conflict without congressional approval and emphasizes Congress’s constitutional authority over declarations of war. The lawmakers argue that the current situation has resulted in significant costs for American servicemembers and families without adequate oversight from elected representatives.
“The President’s war of choice in Iran lacks an endgame plan or strategy, has already taken the lives of 13 American servicemembers, and continues to raise costs across the board for working families, all without any input from Congress. No president should be able to take this country into prolonged conflict without the consent of the American people through their Representatives,” said Rep. Panetta. “Congress must reclaim its constitutional responsibility when it comes to war. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead this War Powers Resolution to permanently bring this conflict to an end.”
“As veterans, we know firsthand the cost of war,” said Rep. Moulton. “We also know that military force is not always the answer. Brute force will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We have already lost 13 Americans in this conflict, and we cannot continue to send our troops into harm’s way without a strategy. We are introducing this resolution because the American people deserve a say in how their military is used, and it is clear that this reckless war of choice must end.”
“Congress must end President Trump’s illegal war of choice with Iran. His war has cost the lives of U.S. servicemembers, raised prices for Americans at home, damaged our alliances, and made us less safe,” said Rep. Crow. “The President is spending tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on Middle East conflicts as Americans back home can’t afford gas and are losing their health care. Congress must end this conflict now.”
In addition to Panetta’s leadership on this issue as a representative from California’s 19th district since 2017—having succeeded Sam Farr—he brings experience both as a legislator and veteran according to Jimmy Panetta’s official website. The resolution also carries support from Representatives Pat Ryan (NY-18), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), and Bobby Scott (VA-03). These nine Democratic veterans say they understand “the true cost of military engagement”.
Panetta was born in Washington D.C., graduated from University of California Davis with a BA in 1991 before earning his JD at Santa Clara University in 1996 according to Jimmy Panetta’s official website.
The group says they intend for their coalition effort not only to press for an immediate halt but also “to force Republicans to go on the record repeatedly on this failing war of choice for as long as it continues.”
