Rep. Tom Barrett Proposes Resolution Limiting U.S. Military Action Against Iran Until July 30

Rep. Tom Barrett, a Republican from Michigan, introduced a resolution that would authorize limited U.S. military action against Iran’s nuclear program through July 30 while prohibiting boots on the ground for nation-building, occupation or seizure of Iranian territory. The measure includes a 30-day wind-down period if hostilities are to continue past that date.

Barrett, an Army veteran who served multiple tours in the Middle East, said in a statement that “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.” He added, “If we don’t learn from our foreign policy failures of the past, we are bound to repeat them.”

The resolution follows the White House position that hostilities have ended for purposes of the 1973 War Powers Resolution. An official added that both parties agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, April 7 that has since been extended.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has vowed to introduce a similar measure in the Senate. She has described her measure as a “restraint” on Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the 1973 War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional. “We comply with it in terms of, like, notification because we want to preserve good relations with Congress,” Rubio said.

Barrett’s re-election bid is rated a “toss-up” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. Ambassador to Ukraine under former President Joe Biden and retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam are vying in a crowded Democratic primary to unseat Barrett in the swing seat ahead of November’s midterm elections.