Saturday, February 21, 2026

Gottheimer, Lawler oppose Iran war powers act: ‘Risks signaling weakness’

In a rare show of bipartisan unity, Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) have come together to oppose any war powers resolution that would require congressional approval for a military strike against Iran. The two representatives made their stance clear on Friday, stating that they will not support any measure that would hinder the United States’ ability to defend itself against the persistent and serious threat posed by the Iranian regime.

Lawler and Gottheimer’s joint statement comes at a critical time, as tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been escalating in recent months. The Iranian regime has long been known for its aggressive and hostile behavior towards the U.S., with chants of “Death to America” being a common occurrence at their rallies and demonstrations. This, coupled with their continued support for terrorist organizations and pursuit of nuclear weapons, has made Iran a major concern for national security.

The two representatives emphasized that their decision to oppose a war powers resolution is not a partisan one, but rather a matter of protecting the safety and security of the American people. They stated, “So long as ‘Death to America’ remains the rallying cry of the Iranian regime, Iran will remain a persistent and serious threat to our men and women in uniform, as well as to our allies and partners in the region.”

Lawler and Gottheimer also pointed out that the U.S. Constitution grants the power to declare war to Congress, and they believe that any attempt to limit this power would be a dangerous precedent. They stated, “As representatives of the American people, it is our duty to ensure that the decision to go to war is not taken lightly and is thoroughly debated and considered by Congress. We cannot allow any resolution to strip us of this responsibility.”

Their stance has received widespread support from both sides of the political aisle, with many praising their courage and leadership in standing up for the interests of the American people. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tweeted, “I applaud Reps. Lawler and Gottheimer for their strong stance against a war powers resolution. We must not tie the hands of our military and jeopardize our national security.”

The joint statement by Lawler and Gottheimer serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, it is important for our leaders to put aside their political differences and come together for the greater good. Their unwavering commitment to protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution is a testament to their dedication and integrity as representatives of the people.

In conclusion, the decision by Reps. Mike Lawler and Josh Gottheimer to oppose a war powers resolution is a bold and necessary move in the face of the ongoing threat posed by Iran. It is a clear message to the Iranian regime that the U.S. will not back down in the face of aggression, and that our leaders will do everything in their power to ensure the safety and security of the American people. As we navigate these uncertain times, it is reassuring to know that we have leaders like Lawler and Gottheimer who are willing to put country before party and stand up for what is right.

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