US Senate minority leader pushes war powers vote to curb Trump’s military actions in Iran

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that Democrats will force a vote on a war powers resolution aimed at halting US military involvement in Iran and reasserting Congress’s constitutional authority over decisions of war.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer slammed President Donald Trump, accusing him of taking the US into conflict without consulting lawmakers or securing authorization for the use of military force.

"Trump took America to war. He did it without consulting Congress. He did it without an authorization of the use of military force. He did it without a plan, without a strategy," said Schumer.

Schumer argued that conditions have deteriorated since the start of the war on Feb. 28, citing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, rising gas prices, and the continued resilience of Iran’s government and nuclear ambitions.

The top Senate Democrat labeled the administration’s handling of the war "Operation Epic Failure” (punning off its official name, Epic Fury) and said Republicans supporting the president share responsibility for the outcome.

"Republicans have fallen in behind Donald Trump, and they own Operation Epic Failure, as much as Trump does, and that's why, again, this week, Democrats will force a vote on a war powers resolution to stop hostilities in Iran and return the power to go to war, back to Congress, where it always should be," Schumer said.

“This chamber is not a spectator,” he added. “Congress must do its job and make sure that no president … can drag this country into war alone and without consequence. It's a time to put an end to Operation Epic Failure."

Under the US Constitution, Congress has the sole power to declare war.