Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should not initiate military action against Iran without first obtaining authorization from Congress.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Jan 2007): Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
What this bill does
This resolution, H.Con.Res. 33, expresses the view of Congress that the President should seek authorization from Congress before initiating military action against Iran. It emphasizes that such presidential power does not extend to launching offensive actions without prior congressional approval, except in cases of repelling sudden attacks.
The bill affects the President and Congress by addressing the balance of power regarding the initiation of military action. It is intended for an informed public to understand the legislative branch's stance on this constitutional issue.
This concurrent resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. As a concurrent resolution, it does not require the President's signature and, if passed by both chambers of Congress, would represent Congress's non-binding sentiment.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
States congressional belief that: (1) initiating military action against Iran without congressional approval does not fall within the President's "Commander-in-Chief" powers under the Constitution; and (2) seeking congressional authority prior to taking military action against Iran is not discretionary, but a legal and constitutional requirement.
Rejects any suggestion that P.L. 107-40 (the authorization of force resolution approved in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001) or P.L. 107-243 (the authorization of force resolution approved by Congress to go to war with Iraq) extends to authorizing military action against Iran, including over its nuclear program.
Timeline
16 Jan 2007
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Common questions
- What does H.Con.Res. 33 do?
- This resolution, H.Con.Res. 33, expresses the view of Congress that the President should seek authorization from Congress before initiating military action against Iran. It emphasizes that such presidential power does not extend to launching offensive actions without prior congressional approval, except in cases of repelling sudden attacks. The bill affects the President and Congress by addressing the balance of power regarding the initiation of military action. It is intended for an informed public to understand the legislative branch's stance on this constitutional issue. This concurrent resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. As a concurrent resolution, it does not require the President's signature and, if passed by both chambers of Congress, would represent Congress's non-binding sentiment.
- Has H.Con.Res. 33 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.Con.Res. 33. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.Con.Res. 33?
- H.Con.Res. 33 was sponsored by Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] (D-OR), with 59 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.Con.Res. 33?
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (16 Jan 2007).
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