In the News

 Washington state’s federal lawmakers largely condemned the United States’ attack on Iran, calling it an “unconstitutional war” and an “offensive use of military force” just hours after President Donald Trump authorized the bombing campaign with the intent of replacing Iran’s leaders and destroying its nuclear program.

“Congress must return immediately and vote to put an end to this war,” Sen. Patty Murray, the state’s senior Democrat, said in a statement early Saturday. “Every senator should be on the record, and Congress must assert its authority — the American people deserve to know which of their leaders supports another potentially bloody and costly war in the Middle East.”

The lawmakers, while critical of Iran’s leaders, argued that Trump overstepped his authority by striking the country without consulting Congress, and that the administration has risked chaining the United States to a prolonged and costly conflict. The U.S and Israeli strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

The lawmakers’ statements echo criticisms shared earlier this year when — predominantly Democratic — federal lawmakers rebuked the Trump administration’s removal of Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela. That military action also occurred without congressional approval.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., argued that Trump failed to make the case to the American people or its representatives. Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Tacoma, said that by bypassing Congress, Trump is undermining lawmakers’ ability to represent their communities. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle, on social media called it an “unconstitutional war” and expressed concern for the civilians who will die in the conflict. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, in a statement said a worrisome amount of “military might” would be required to achieve stability in the region.

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, has been a vocal critic of Trump’s push to use the military to oust Iran’s leaders. He said the war poses more risks than benefits to the U.S. and called it an “offensive use of military force.”

“We have launched a full-scale Middle East war without a clear explanation for why, a clear set of objectives, without the case having been made to the American people or to Congress, and without congressional approval,” Smith told The Seattle Times.

“The fact that the president has exercised this level of unilateral executive authority, contrary to the Constitution, is risky and dangerous in and of itself,” Smith said, “but now we have a full-scale Middle East war, and it’s going to be really costly.”

Like many in Congress, he supports efforts to curtail Iran’s nuclear program and is highly critical of the country’s leaders. Smith said the president should have relied on diplomacy and economic sanctions, not war, to achieve his ends.

“It’s a huge risk with no particular end in sight and no clear benefit for the U.S.,” Smith said.

At least one member from Washington appears to support the attack, which Trump said would continue for days. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, in a social media post early Saturday said, “The sooner Iran’s leaders are in the dustbin of history the better.”

Baumgartner praised Trump as among the nation’s most strategic and consequential commanders-in-chief. “No one should be dismissive of the threats we are up against, but all Americans should appreciate the leadership and capability being shown by Trump, Sec Rubio and Joint Chiefs Chairman Caine,” Baumgartner said in another social media post.

Smith and House Democratic leaders said they will push next week for a vote on a war powers resolution, a bipartisan effort from Reps. Ro Khanna, of California, and Thomas Massie, of Kentucky. The resolution, which seeks to limit Trump’s military campaign in Iran, would likely be symbolic; even if both the House and Senate pass the resolution, Trump is unlikely to sign it into law.

The Senate last month attempted to pass a similar resolution after the Trump administration deposed Maduro. The effort did not succeed.

Still, Smith said he and Democratic House leaders are resolute on moving forward with another war powers resolution in coming days.

“At an absolute minimum, now that the war has started, the representatives of the people, in the House and the Senate, should be on record,” Smith said. “If they support this, if they think this is a good idea, they should at least be accountable for that.”

Smith said there are also discussions among Democratic leaders to introduce a bill that bars federal funds for a war in Iran.

“That’s going to be difficult, but that would be the path if we convince Republicans to actually stand up, show a backbone and do their jobs as members of Congress,” Smith said.

It’s unclear whether there would be enough Republican votes in Congress to move either attempt forward. Along with many congressional Republicans, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, both commended the president’s actions on Saturday.

Meanwhile, most of Washington state’s Democratic federal lawmakers indicated they would vote in favor of a war powers resolution.

“We need specific public objectives, legal rationale, and clear justification for the president’s military actions,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Medina, in a statement. “The American people deserve transparency before our nation is pulled into another full-blown war.”