Local lawmakers weigh in as Congress prepares to vote on Trump's war powers in Iran
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- As Americans learned Monday that the war in Iran could last at least another month, Congress is now preparing to try to limit President Trump's use of military power.
The Senate could vote as soon as Tuesday on the War Powers Resolution, which would limit the use of military force in Iran without congressional approval. The resolution faces an uphill battle in the GOP-led Senate.
Action News anchor Sharrie Williams spoke with Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, who said the president overstepped his authority.
Coons said Congress should have been included and that the administration should have made a case for military action.
"I don't think this is the right way for a democracy to go to war," Coons said. "I am clear that Ayatollah Khamenei has led a terrible regime that has the blood of many Americans on its hands, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to step aside and support President Trump starting whatever war he wants without first consulting America's Congress and American people."
WATCH 1-on-1 interview: Delaware Sen. Coons weighs in on war with Iran
Other senators from the region also weighed in.
Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester said she plans to vote "yes" on the resolution, adding in a social media post: "The decision to go to war is a monumental and grave one - one that should be made with the consent of Congress and a clear plan."
Senator Andy Kim from New Jersey called for an immediate vote and said over the weekend that Congress needs to approve any military action under the Constitution.
Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick tweeted Sunday that the president acted within his constitutional authority and said now is not the time for "political theater."
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said he is a "hard no" on the resolution.
"I'm open to a better opportunity for more peace and prosperity for the Iranian people, for more security that Israel deserves," Fetterman said. "This was not an illegal war based on the terms of what the War Powers Act is."
The House is expected to vote on a similar measure later this week.
