Michigan U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett on Wednesday, June 3, became one of four Republicans to join Democrats in passing a resolution ordering President Donald Trump’s administration to end hostilities against Iran in the Middle East.
While the concurrent resolution is largely symbolic since Trump would likely veto any measure that formally restricted his authority, it marks a strong statement that support for the war in Iran is lacking in Congress, including among some Republicans in key swing districts, like Barrett.
The resolution, which passed 215-208, was the second time Barrett, R-Charlotte, who is also a former Army helicopter pilot, has voted with Democrats to end the war which began in February absent an authorization approved by Congress. That earlier vote failed 212-212 in May.
Barrett has also introduced an AUMF, or Authorization for Use of Military Force, in May, that would have authorized the Trump administration to use military force until July 30 to “demolish, degrade or defeat” Iran’s nuclear program but restrict any use of ground forces. Trump has rejected any overtures to limit his authority in attacking Iran, which he has said is necessary to ensure it does not become capable of producing nuclear weapons.
After the June 3 vote, Barrett put out a statement, saying, “Congress has the exclusive authority under the Constitution to declare war and authorize the use of force. The War Powers Act of 1973 delegates some of that authority to the president for a limited period of time. That authority has expired, so my consistent belief is that it is time for Congress to decide the scope of the mission and the appropriate limits on the use of force in Iran.”
The concurrent resolution passed June 3 directs Trump to remove military forces from any hostilities against Iran “other than those elements of the Armed Forces that may be necessary to defend the United States or an ally or partner of the United States from imminent attack” provided the administration follows existing statutes or seeks congressional authorization.
Barrett, in his first term in Congress, represents Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, a tossup district in mid-Michigan based in and around Lansing.
Other Republicans voting with Democrats in favor of the resolution were U.S. Reps. Warren Davidson of Ohio, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Thomas Massie of Kentucky. All of the Democratic members of Michigan’s delegation voted for the measure as well, while Republican members voted against it.
Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on X @tsspangler.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Barrett joins Democrats in passing resolution to end Iran war
Reporting by Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
