Mrvan wants Trump to get congressional approval for war in Iran

Northwest Indiana's representative in Washington believes Republican President Donald Trump must obtain congressional approval to continue the war in Iran that's already caused gasoline prices to skyrocket.

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, voted Thursday in favor of a U.S. House resolution requiring the president to terminate the Iran war unless he obtains authorization for the use of military force, or a declaration of war, from Congress.

The resolution was defeated 219-212 by the Republican-controlled chamber. A similar directive failed Wednesday in the Republican-controlled Senate, 53-47, with Indiana's two Republican senators voting to let Trump have a free hand in Iran.

Mrvan said he agrees with Trump that "Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a serious threat to the United States, our allies and stability in the Middle East."

But, Mrvan insisted, "under our Constitution, the authority to declare war rests solely with Congress, not the president acting alone."

"I believe the administration’s actions raise serious constitutional concerns. Their justification for military action has shifted repeatedly, and they have admittedly acknowledged that the United States was not facing an imminent threat. The American people deserve transparency, clearly defined objectives, and a coalition of supportive international partners," Mrvan said.

"There is an immediate need for Congress to reassert its constitutional responsibility, provide oversight, and develop a clear strategy that protects our national security while preventing an open-ended military engagement."

In the meantime, Mrvan said he's praying for the safety of U.S. service members and he remains committed to bringing them home.