House Republican Introduces Bill to Restrict U.S. Military Action Against Iran

A House Republican from Michigan introduced a resolution Thursday that would set a July 30 deadline for U.S. military operations against Iran while establishing strict boundaries on the mission. The resolution authorizes continued action to degrade Iran's nuclear program, address imminent threats, enforce a naval blockade and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

It prohibits the use of ground troops, nation-building efforts, occupation or seizure of Iranian territory. Rep. Tom Barrett, an Army veteran who served multiple tours in the Middle East, said the measure aims to prevent the United States from being drawn into another prolonged conflict.

"Two things have been clear from the very beginning: Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the United States of America cannot be dragged into another endless war," Barrett said. Officials told reporters last week that no exchange of fire has occurred between U.S. forces and Iran since that date, effectively stopping the clock on the 1973 War Powers Resolution's 60-to-90-day limit.

A senior administration official said the ceasefire agreement between both parties terminated the hostilities that began on February 28 for purposes of the War Powers Resolution. The measure would still permit a 30-day wind-down period if operations need to continue past the July deadline.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, has vowed to introduce a companion measure in the Senate that she has described as a restraint. Barrett's office stated that U.S. military operations remain ongoing despite the ceasefire.

Barrett, a freshman lawmaker representing a Lansing-area district, faces a competitive re-election race in November's midterm elections. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the seat as a toss-up, with multiple Democrats competing in the primary to challenge him.

The resolution comes as Barrett breaks with the administration's view that the war has effectively ended. It is unclear whether he will support a separate Democratic-led war powers resolution that would require explicit congressional approval for any further military action against Iran.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the measure.

“If we don’t learn from our foreign policy failures of the past, we are bound to repeat them.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Tuesday that the 1973 War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional, though the administration has continued to provide notifications to Congress to maintain good relations. The resolution has drawn attention as Barrett navigates his reelection bid in a competitive district.

The administration has repeatedly extended the ceasefire as both sides work with mediators toward a permanent end to the conflict. Barrett's measure seeks to define the scope of any continued U.S. involvement with clear limits and a timeline. The proposal reflects broader congressional interest in asserting its role in decisions about military engagements abroad.

Similar efforts have surfaced periodically in response to past conflicts in the Middle East.