In 1973, after the revelation of the United States' secret bombings in Cambodia, Congress took action. To emphasize its power over war and peace issues, Congress passed the "War Powers Resolution" despite a veto from then-President Richard Nixon, and this law remains in effect.
Congress's Executive Challenges
Unfortunately, the implementation of this resolution by Congress has always faced serious challenges. In 2026, Congress has introduced about 19 war powers resolutions to limit hostilities in Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and Lebanon, but none of these resolutions have been able to stop a war so far.
For example, regarding Iran, eight votes have been held to end the war, seven of which have failed. Only one vote was successfully passed, which was due to a change in position by Senator Bill Cassidy (Republican from Louisiana) after losing in his primary election. His change in position, influenced by former President Donald Trump's support for his opponent, allowed him to vote contrary to the majority of Republicans.
Government and National Interests
Analyses show that one of the fundamental problems with the war powers resolution is that many elected representatives are pursuing their political interests rather than national interests. The war with Iran continues, and this reality clearly illustrates where Congress stands.
Tory Bateman, Advocacy Director at the Quincy Institute, highlighted the importance of diplomacy and the use of Congress's power to protect the American people without unnecessary use of force in an interview on the program "Always at War." He explains that even if a war powers resolution is passed, the President can veto it, and a two-thirds majority in both houses is required to override that veto. This situation indicates that resolutions are more about raising awareness in Congress than about actually stopping wars.
However, people cannot remain indifferent. Many of the calls that Americans make to express their concerns are heard by representatives. Bateman shares a strong story of how one congressional staff member paid attention to Section 219 – U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation – due to calls from over 50 constituents to the senator's office.
This lesson teaches us that there is still hope that congressional representatives can respond to the needs and desires of their constituents regarding war and peace.
