WASHINGTON , D.C. Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today introduced a Congressional resolution , which states that the president must receive approval from Congress before taking military action against Iran or any other country.  The resolution comes amid increasing speculation that the president and his administration may seek military action against Iran .  It mirrors an effort in the U.S. Senate led by Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) and is nonbinding. 

This issue goes to the heart of our Constitution and to the role with which we have been entrusted as Representatives , said DeLauro.  This is not a partisan matter. This is about ensuring that Congress has a role in whether our country goes to war it is not a judgment on whether an attack on Iran is a good idea. Members of the House of Representatives must be able to make an informed judgement before the president can proceed with such an action.

The full text of the resolution follows:

Urging the collective judgment of both Congress and the President regarding the use of military force by the United States .

Whereas the United States has the best trained , most effective military in the world;

Whereas the United States military consists of an all volunteer force of dedicated , patriotic men and women;

Whereas the men and women of the Armed Forces are a reflection of the best values and spirit of our Nation;

Whereas Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the members of the Armed Forces are provided for to the fullest extent possible;

Whereas Congress has a responsibility to make certain that the lives of the members of the Armed Forces are never put at risk without careful consideration;

Whereas , under the Constitution of the United States , Congress has the power to declare war;  

Whereas the use of military force by the United States must not proceed without careful preparation;

Whereas Congress enacted legislation permitting the President of the United States to use military force against Afghanistan (Public Law 10740) and against Iraq (Public Law 107243) only after 17 hours of debate; and

Whereas the use of military force by the United States must not be undertaken without a full debate over whether it is in the best interests of the United States : Now , therefore , be it

Resolved , That--

(1) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Constitution of the United States provides that the President , in an emergency , may act to defend the country , but reserved the matter of offensive war to Congress as the representatives of the people; and

(2) the House of Representatives affirms the requirement under the Constitution that the President seek and obtain the approval of  Congress before the United States undertakes offensive military action against any other nation.