White House Releases Letter Notifying Congress of Iran Strikes
In line with the War Powers Resolution, the letter informs Congress of U.S. military action taken in Iran at the president’s direction.
Published by The Lawfare Institute
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On June 23, the White House released a document entitled “Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate,” informing Congress that “United States forces conducted a precision strike against three nuclear facilities in Iran” on June 21, at the direction of President Trump.
The letter maintains that the strikes were “limited in scope and purpose” with the aim of “limit[ing] the risk of escalation.” It also asserts that the military action in Iran was carried out consistent with the president’s “constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive” and international law.
The letter cites the War Powers Resolution as the president’s basis for informing Congress. The War Powers Resolution stipulates that the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of military action undertaken without congressional authorization.
You can read the letter here or below:
