SHILLINGTON, PA (WSKG) - The House of Representatives passed a resolution Thursday that would limit President Donald Trump’s power to attack Iran. Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) was one of eight Democrats to vote against the resolution. It would require the President to seek approval from Congress before launching any military action against Iran and its proxies, unless there's an imminent threat to the U.S..
"I'm glad that we seem to be in a deescalation period here, but I don't want to restrict the administration's hands to be able to respond to threats from a very unstable regime in Iran,” Brindisi said after Thursday's vote.
Lawmakers were briefed earlier this week by administration officials on the confrontation with Iran. Many Democrats and some Republicans were frusttrated with the briefings, but Brindisi said he's satisfied with the information provided. The White House asserts the drone attack on Iranian General Quasem Solemani was justified.
"I felt that, given the threats that existed, that the administration was within its rights to take out General Soleimani before further attacks on armed service members could happen."
Brindisi said he’d like to see a peaceful diplomatic solution with Iran.
The resolution passed by the House will head to the Republican-controlled Senate where a vote is required within the next 18 days. Some Republicans in both houses indicate they support additional limits on the president's war powers.