00:00As tensions rise over Iran, U.S. lawmakers are fiercely debating what role Congress should
00:04play if military action is taken. At the center of the debate is whether only Congress has the
00:10authority to approve such action, or if the president can act independently. This comes
00:15as Donald Trump weighs joining Israel in its operations against Iran, or continuing diplomatic
00:21efforts to reach a new nuclear agreement. New resolutions in both the Senate and House aim
00:26to require a full debate and vote before any U.S. force is used, reinforcing Congress's
00:32constitutional authority. Senator Rand Paul argues that the Constitution clearly gives Congress the
00:38sole power to declare war, while others, like Senator John Kennedy, believe the president has
00:44room to act, depending on the circumstances. Senator John Thune says the president's actions
00:50so far have been appropriate, focusing on preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear goals.
00:55Democrat Senator Tim Kaine has introduced a resolution to limit unilateral action,
01:00warning against bypassing public accountability.
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