As Israel and Iran continue their deadly conflict, senators in Washington are offering rhetorical support for Israel — but little else.
As Israel and Iran enter a fifth day of fighting, the only legislative push on Capitol Hill has come from Democrats who want to ensure the United States doesn’t get drawn into the conflict without congressional approval.
Lawmakers from both parties told us it’s too early for any discussions about an aid package for Israel. And while the Jewish State deploys a large amount of missiles in the Iron Dome defensive system, the Senate isn’t drafting any plans to help Israel replenish shortfalls just yet.
“I wouldn’t say we have plans in the Senate. I would simply say that we are aware that they are expending munitions,” Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said.
Republicans are largely following President Donald Trump’s lead of backing Israel but insisting that American troops stay out of the war.
“We’re not looking for another war in the Middle East,” Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) said, before adding he is with Israel “100%.”
Trump abruptly returned from the G7 in Canada early this morning. Trump signed onto a G7 statement criticizing Iran and supporting Israel after the language was modified in response to U.S. complaints. The United States has moved a number of refueling planes to the region, in addition to more ships and combat aircraft.
“Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump said in a Truth Social post Monday night, while also calling for the evacuation of Tehran.
Israel and Iran continued air and missile strikes against each other overnight.
Trump said on Air Force One that he isn’t “looking for a ceasefire,” according to the pool report. He also said that he is “not too much in the mood to negotiate” with Iran and is looking for a “complete give-up” by the Islamic Republic.
The Democratic view. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is leading the way for Democrats with his resolution forcing the Senate to vote on whether American forces should engage in hostilities with Iran.
The privileged resolution would require a full congressional briefing, public debate and a Senate vote on whether the United States enters into a war with Iran. Because Kaine is bringing up the resolution under the War Powers Resolution, it must be voted on. But the timing of that vote isn’t clear yet.
Some Senate Democratic offices were concerned the resolution could have prevented the United States from sharing intelligence with Israel. Kaine said he was aware of the worries and intends to “flesh out more” the language defining when the United States is considering “engaged in hostilities.”
Kaine said he has no GOP cosponsors so far, but he plans to roll out more Democratic backers soon.
Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced Monday night that he would introduce a War Powers Resolution to “prohibit our involvement” in Israel’s war with Iran. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said she would sign on.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also introduced the “No War Against Iran Act,” which seeks “to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran absent specific Congressional authorization.”
