Press Release
Posted:
St. Helena – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) led a formal letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson urging him to reconvene the House of Representatives so Congress can be thoroughly briefed on the evolving situation in the Middle East and fulfill its Constitutional responsibilities related to any potential authorization of military force. This letter comes following statements from President Trump indicating the United States is seriously considering military action in Iran.
“We call on you to immediately reconvene the U.S. House of Representatives so that Members can be properly briefed on the situation, debate the security situation, and fulfill our Constitutional responsibilities related to any potential authorization of military force,” wrote the lawmakers.
“Congress has the sole power to declare war under Article 1 of our Constitution. It is of the highest importance that no military action take place without Congressional authorization. The stakes are too high. As representatives of the American people, it is the duty of every Member to ensure that we fulfill our Constitutional role,” they continued.
The full text of the letter is available here and below.
Dear Speaker Johnson,
We write to you following statements from President Trump indicating the United States is seriously considering military action in Iran. Media reports indicate the President has reviewed attack plans with senior aides.
We call on you to immediately reconvene the U.S. House of Representatives so that Members can be properly briefed on the situation, debate the security situation, and fulfill our Constitutional responsibilities related to any potential authorization of military force.
Congress has the sole power to declare war under Article 1 of our Constitution. It is of the highest importance that no military action take place without Congressional authorization. The stakes are too high. As representatives of the American people, it is the duty of every Member to ensure that we fulfill our Constitutional role.
Sending our men and women in uniform into conflict is always a matter of the highest
seriousness and should not be undertaken lightly. Proper Congressional consideration of the issues will help our country step away from the emotion of the moment to weigh the complexities of engaging in armed conflict.
We strongly urge you to immediately bring the U.S. House of Representatives back into session. This matter is urgent cannot be postponed. For the good of our country, we must fulfill our duty to our Constitution and our constituents.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this urgent matter.