WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA01) on Thursday introduced a War Powers Resolution for Operation Epic Fury, which directs the administration to comply with the 60-day use of force and 30-day phased withdrawal requirements of the War Powers Act.
“The War Powers Act of 1973 is the law of the land," said Fitzpatrick. "This consistent standard must be applied to all past, current, and future administrations when it comes to military hostilities abroad: 1) Congressional notification 48 hours before the commencement of hostilities; and 2) Congressional authorization and approval within 60 days of the commencement of hostilities.
"This is the law that has applied to past administrations, and it is the law that will apply to current and future administrations," said Fitzpatrick. "This is the law and, until it is changed, it will be consistently applied and consistently enforced across all administrations and all conflicts.”
According to the resolution, "Congress holds the sole power to declare war, and the 1973 War Powers Resolution limits the President’s ability to initiate military action without
authorization, requiring troop withdrawal within 60 days unless Congress authorizes continued engagement."
The resolution says the President has 60 days from the start of Operation Epic Fury to either secure the approval of Congress for continued engagement or to terminate the use of military forces and withdraw the Armed Forces from Iran not later than 30 days thereafter.
That time limit, however, does not include any negotiated ceasefires.
The resolution reads, "Any day in which the United States engages in cease-fire negotiations with the Government of Iran or has entered into a negotiated cease-fire shall not count as one of the 60 days."
To read the entire resolution, click here.
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