Republican Senator from Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, is preparing a bill that would force the US Congress to vote for the first time on whether to formally authorize war against Iran.
The initiative aims to establish limits and clarity on military operations, as President Donald Trump's administration has been criticized for keeping Congress out of decision-making and failing to provide details on the objectives, cost and duration of the conflict.
Murkowski is working with a group of senators on a formal authorization for the use of military force against Iran, but the resolution has not yet been formally introduced. If filed, it would need to be voted on quickly in both houses of Congress and is expected to spark intense political debate, especially in the run-up to the midterm elections.
The war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, has raised growing concerns among some Republicans in Congress about the lack of information on the possibility of sending ground troops and the overall costs of the operation.
Under the 1973 US War Powers Act, Congress must consider and vote on such authorizations within days of their submission. However, with Congress expected to go into a two-week recess, any potential vote is likely to take place after lawmakers return.
So far, Republicans have largely blocked Democratic efforts to limit the president's authority in the conflict. But a vote to authorize war would force lawmakers to make clear whether they support continuing the military operation.
