Congress Must Reevaluate War Powers and Military Force

The White House has issued a warning to Iran, emphasizing the need to avoid escalating violence. As the U.S. and Iranian forces agree to a temporary stand-down before talks in Qatar, discussions continue regarding military strategies and their implications. Retired Navy fighter pilot Matthew ‘Whiz’ Buckley speaks on CENTCOM’s strikes.

The thought of war is ever-present due to ongoing tensions with Iran, keeping many anxious. For those like me with 22 years of Army experience and multiple deployments, understanding war’s impact remains a key focus. History shows how past conflicts, such as the ‘War to End All Wars,’ laid groundwork for further global conflicts.

In George Orwell’s ‘1984,’ he stated, ‘by becoming continuous war has ceased to exist.’ When war becomes normalized, it resembles a chronic condition—managed but never cured. Reflecting this perspective, I found pride in voting to repeal the 2002 authorization for military force in Iraq during my first congressional year. This was Congress’s first successful action to revoke such an authorization, marking 17 years since my return from deployment in that war.

Earlier this year, I introduced bipartisan reforms to repeal another inactive authorization, mandating re-approval every five years for any future authorizations. This initiative would grant Congress more power to clearly define military missions after the president acts against urgent threats.

The Constitution mandates only Congress can declare war or authorize military force. The War Powers Act of 1973, however, allowed the president authority for 60 days without congressional approval. When this limit was reached concerning Iran’s situation, I enforced it, highlighting the profound weight of deciding to go to war. Such decisions involve lives and call for utmost constitutional scrutiny.

Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is crucial, yet decisions involving American resources and lives must involve congressional debate. These discussions shouldn’t be taken lightly, given the profound visible and invisible impacts war has on service members and their families.

Many veterans from the Global War on Terror era, who lost comrades or returned with wounds, view war differently. The loss extends beyond the battlefield, with more veterans succumbing to suicide than combat. Personally, I have witnessed the human cost through friends like Staff Sergeant Duane Dreasky, killed by an IED in Iraq, and others lost to suicide or overdose.

Understanding the human toll underlines my responsibility to provide clear military objectives, prevent mission creep, and guard against indefinite conflicts. Past errors in decision-making must inform current deliberations on military force use.

We owe it to new generations to ensure missions are well-defined and focused, enabling effective and decisive actions. Congress must initiate a robust debate on military engagements, avoiding previous mistakes tied to endless warfare and nation-building.

Tom Barrett represents Michigan’s 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. His 22-year Army career included deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, Guantanamo Bay, and the Korean DMZ.