Rep. Barrett Introduces Resolution to Limit Iran War Through July End

A House Republican facing a tough re-election fight introduced a resolution Thursday to impose strict limits on the Iran war, breaking with the Trump administration's position that hostilities have ended.

Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., put forward the measure that would authorize the war through the end of July. It aims to permanently degrade Iran's nuclear program, address imminent threats, enforce a naval blockade and ensure safe passage of U.S. ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

The resolution also sets firm guidelines on extended military operations. It limits boots on the ground and prohibits nation-building, occupying or seizing Iranian territory.

"Two things have been clear from the very beginning: Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the United States of America cannot be dragged into another endless war," Barrett said. An Army veteran with multiple tours in the Middle East, he added, "The commander in chief has the sole authority to lead our troops in wartime, but I’ve lost too many friends on the battlefield to allow that to happen without Congress exercising its constitutional role to clearly define the mission with safeguards and a deadline."

"If we don’t learn from our foreign policy failures of the past, we are bound to repeat them," he said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, plans to introduce a similar measure in the Senate. She has called it a restraint on Trump.

Barrett's resolution comes after the White House dismissed a 60-day deadline to end the war on Friday. Officials argued that the ceasefire starting April 7 stopped the clock on the 1973 War Powers Resolution's countdown. That provision requires ending hostilities within 60 to 90 days without congressional approval.

"For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28 have terminated," a senior administration official told Fox News Digital last week. "Both parties agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, April 7 that has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire between U.S. Armed Forces and Iran since Tuesday, April 7."

A press release from Barrett's office stated that U.S. military operations are ongoing.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the 1973 War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional. He told reporters at a news conference that the administration complies with parts of it, like notification, to preserve good relations with Congress.

Trump has repeatedly extended the ceasefire with Iran as both sides work with mediators to end the war permanently. Barrett's resolution would permit an additional 30-day wind-down period if the administration seeks to extend hostilities past July 30.

Barrett represents a Lansing-area district and faces a tough re-election ahead of November's midterm elections. Bridget Brink, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine under President Joe Biden, and retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam are competing in a Democratic primary to challenge him in the swing seat.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates his race a toss-up.

It remains unclear if Barrett will back a Democratic war powers resolution blocking military action against Iran without congressional approval when lawmakers return next week. The White House did not immediately comment.