Missouri politicians praise Middle East ceasefire, consider War Powers Resolution over Iran strikes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives are drumming up support for a resolution curbing President Donald Trump's military strikes in Iran.
Reps. Ro Khanna (D-California) and Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) filed a resolution last week to end the United States' strikes against Iran, "unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran." Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) has also filed a similar resolution in the upper chamber.
Trump's announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Monday may put a pause on the immediate debate over the resolution. Khanna said the resolution was "making a difference."
The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the White House to notify Congress 48 hours ahead of any military strike, and limits how long armed forces can remain to 60 days. Congress can also direct the removal of any troops from hostilities outside of the U.S. in the absence of legislative approval.
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the ability to declare war, while making the president the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. University of Missouri Professor Charles Zug told ABC 17 News that division of responsibility creates a "contest" for power, with presidents after World War II exercising their power as the head of the military to engage in world affairs more often.
"The president doesn't really have much of an incentive to care what Congress really thinks," Zug said. "Because the likelihood that Congress is going to do much about it, at least in the short term, is pretty low. It's just hard for Congress to do anything to get any measure passed through both chambers."
ABC 17 News asked several Missouri representatives and both senators for comment via email on the War Powers Resolution.
Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore)
"While I respect Congressmen Massie and Khanna, their War Powers Resolution is unnecessary, counterproductive, and potentially dangerous. Targeted strikes are not the same as a declaration of war. Since World War II, the vast majority of American uses of military force have been conducted without prior congressional approval. In a perilous world, Congress should not tie the President’s hands when it comes to national security. I have deep reverence for our Article I powers, but at the same time, we cannot undermine the executive’s clear legal authority to protect the American people and our interests.”
President Trump’s show of STRENGTH has delivered PEACE!
— Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) June 23, 2025
We pray it will be a just and lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/rbfWNjTdjn
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri)
Sen. Eric Schmitt praised President Trump as the "peace president" on Fox News on Monday night following the ceasefire announcement.
They’ll be writing books about the way President Trump ended the 12 Day War.
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) June 24, 2025
He executed a successful limited strike — obliterating Iran’s nuclear program. Protected core American interests. Then he secured peace.
Incredible. pic.twitter.com/mGR1fvhVF9
Neither of Missouri's House Democrats, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Kansas City) or Wesley Bell (D-St. Louis) have sent statements or posted on social media as of Monday night about the ceasefire. Both criticized President Trump's lack of notification to Congress ahead of the weekend military strikes in Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on his social media at 7:46 p.m. CST, however, that an agreement has not been reached. He wrote that Iran would stop firing if Israel also halted.
As Iran has repeatedly made clear: Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 24, 2025
As of now, there is NO "agreement" on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations. However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no…
