Fact Check: "Massie warns, 'This is not our war' amid rising conflict with Iran."
What We Know
Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, recently introduced a bipartisan resolution aimed at prohibiting U.S. involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. In announcing this resolution, Massie stated, "This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution" (source-1, source-2, source-3). His comments reflect a growing concern among lawmakers regarding the constitutional authority to declare war, emphasizing that such decisions should rest with Congress rather than the President (source-4).
Massie's resolution has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, including co-sponsor Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California. The resolution seeks to ensure that any military action involving U.S. forces against Iran would require explicit congressional authorization (source-5, source-6).
Analysis
The claim that Massie stated, "This is not our war," is accurate and well-documented across multiple reliable sources. His assertion is part of a broader legislative effort to limit presidential war powers, particularly in light of recent military escalations involving Israel and Iran. The bipartisan nature of the resolution, which includes support from both conservative and progressive lawmakers, underscores a significant political consensus on the need for congressional oversight in matters of military engagement (source-7, source-8).
The sources cited are credible, including major news outlets and legislative records. They provide consistent reporting on Massie's statements and the context of the resolution. The emphasis on constitutional authority and bipartisan support adds weight to the validity of Massie's claim and the legislative intent behind it.
Conclusion
The claim that Representative Thomas Massie warned, "This is not our war," amid rising conflict with Iran is True. His statement reflects a principled stance against U.S. military involvement without congressional approval, aligning with constitutional mandates regarding war powers. The bipartisan resolution he introduced further supports this assertion, highlighting a significant legislative movement to prevent unauthorized military action.
Sources
- Bipartisan lawmakers to introduce resolution to prohibit US involvement in Iran
- The US Should Not Support Israel's War on Iran, say Democrats and Republicans
- Bipartisan resolution prohibits US involvement in Iran-Israel conflict
- Lawmakers move to limit Trump's war powers as Israel-Iran conflict escalates
- Massie announced bid to prohibit US engagement in Israel-Iran conflict
- Israel-Iran: U.S. Lawmakers Move to Limit Trump's War Powers
- Massie introduces bipartisan resolution to stop U.S. from entering Israel-Iran war
- House Republican, Democrat move to limit Trump from engaging in Iran conflict