UPDATE 3 - US lawmakers demand congressional vote to halt Iran war, warn of 'illegal' conflict

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Several US lawmakers came out against the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday, demanding an immediate congressional vote to stop what they called an illegal war launched without proper authorization.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the upper house to return to session and "reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act." He said he had urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to "be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of these strikes and what comes next." Schumer said the administration had failed to provide "critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat" and called for an immediate classified briefing for all senators.

California Rep. Ro Khanna called the strikes "an illegal regime change war in Iran with American lives at risk" and demanded Congress convene Monday to vote on the resolution he co-introduced with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, which would compel Trump to seek congressional authorization before using force against Iran. "Every member of Congress should go on record this weekend on how they will vote," he said. Massie said he is "opposed to this war" and noted plans to force the vote when Congress reconvenes.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, who introduced a War Powers Resolution in the Senate, demanded the upper house immediately return to session.

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen supported the resolution and accused Trump of "lying to the American people as he launches an illegal, regime-change war against Iran," adding that the strikes were "not making us safer."

New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim warned Trump had "started a cycle of violence that has already escalated and could spiral out of control."

New York Rep. Yvette Clarke was more blunt, saying Trump had "gone violently and derangedly rogue" and calling for both chambers to reconvene immediately.

New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said she was "deeply concerned" about the lack of a "clear strategy," warning of "another open-ended war." She said Congress deserved "immediate answers" on objectives, authorization and the risk of escalation, and backed an immediate vote on the resolution.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a rare Republican voice, also came out against the strikes, saying his oath to the Constitution compelled him to "oppose another presidential war."

Massachusetts Rep. Jake Auchincloss labeled the strikes a "war of choice without congressional authorization" and said he would vote yes on the resolution.

New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez said the president had failed to provide Congress with "an urgent justification for putting American troops in harm's way." New York Rep. Nydia Velazquez said the strikes risk "the lives of innocent Iranians and US troops" and called for passage of the Khanna-Massie resolution.

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar said the strikes constitute a “reckless abuse of power” by Trump and said: “American people are exhausted by endless wars built on false promises.”

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren called on Congress to come together for a vote, saying the conflict is “dangerous and illegal.”

- No war with Iran

Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey said the US once had a deal limiting Iran's nuclear program — until Trump ended it. "This is the cost of his broken promises," he said. "No war with Iran."

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, who said he had lost friends in Iraq, warned that "young working-class kids should not pay the ultimate price for regime change," adding the US can support the Iranian people "without sending our troops to die." In a separate post, the congressman said the Senate should prioritize War Powers resolution over any other thing.

Sen. Chris Coons said Americans are expecting “strategic justification” for the attacks, questioning the “evidence of an imminent threat.”

Texas Rep. Greg Casar said the US would "lose lives, spend billions, and end up dragged into decades of instability."

The calls follow Rep. Gregory Meeks' announcement Thursday of plans to force a vote on a bipartisan resolution requiring congressional approval before any military strikes on Iran.