United States Representative Jimmy Panetta announced on May 7 that he and several Democratic veterans, along with the Ranking Members of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees, have introduced legislation to prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used for military action against Iran without Congressional approval.
The move follows nine weeks of hostilities with Iran that have occurred without explicit authorization from Congress. According to the lawmakers, these actions have resulted in at least $25 billion in costs and the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers. Supporters of the bill say it is intended to reassert Congressional authority over decisions related to war and prevent further escalation or financial burden on American families.
The No Funds for Iran War Act would block additional taxpayer spending on military operations against Iran unless there is an Authorization for Use of Military Force or a formal declaration of war by Congress. “This Administration’s war of choice in Iran cost American lives and billions of American dollars, and continues to raise costs for working families all across America,” said Rep. Panetta. “Without a coherent strategy, the consent of Congress, or the consensus of the American people, the conflict needs to be contained by Congress before it grows into a broader, prolonged war. This legislation would help by prohibiting the use of additional taxpayer funds for the war barring congressional approval, and allow Congress to take back its constitutional authority to protect our service members and lower costs for all Americans.”
Representative Pat Ryan said: “The American people have been clear from the beginning: they want lower costs and no more forever wars. The Trump administration has spent nine weeks conducting an illegal war in Iran that has done the exact opposite – and every American is paying the price.” Ryan continued: “Their recklessness has killed 13 brave servicemembers, wounded hundreds more, cost at least $25 billion in taxpayer money, and sent gas prices skyrocketing here at home. Since Day 1, there has been no strategy or endgame. Not a single dollar more on this ill-conceived war.”
Ranking Member Adam Smith added: “Trump’s war of choice has achieved none of the administration’s stated objectives and has surpassed the president’s initial stated timeline of the conflict… Now that the president is moving the goal posts and twisting the 60-day requirements of the War Powers Act, Congress must take action.” Representative Gregory Meeks also commented: “Trump’s Iran war was never authorized by Congress… The American people don’t want this administration spending billions… I thank Rep. Ryan for his leadership introducing this bill.” Representative Jim Himes said: “Donald Trump believes he can continue to wage an unconstitutional war at the expense of American taxpayers… I hope that [Republicans] will join us in limiting this illegal spending…”
Panetta represents California’s 19th district in Congress after replacing Sam Farr in 2017 according to Jimmy Panetta’s official website. He was born in Washington D.C., lives in Carmel Valley according to Jimmy Panetta’s official website, graduated from University of California Davis with a BA in 1991 according to Jimmy Panetta’s official website, then earned his JD from Santa Clara University School of Law five years later according to Jimmy Panetta’s official website.
The legislation is cosponsored by several other Democratic veteran representatives including Ted Lieu (CA-36), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Jason Crow (CO-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Derek Tran (CA-45), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04) as well as Bobby Scott (VA-03). Lawmakers say they hope their colleagues will support efforts aimed at restoring Congressional oversight over matters involving military force.
