U.S. lawmakers will try again next week to pass a resolution to halt the Iran war and force President Donald Trump to obtain Congress’ approval for any further attacks, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday, hours after Trump announced a two-week ceasefire.
“Congress must reassert its authority, especially at this dangerous moment,” Schumer told a press conference at his office in New York.
Trump agreed to the ceasefire on Tuesday, less than two hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on its civilian infrastructure.
Trump’s threat that “a whole civilization will die tonight” prompted global concern and censure from Democrats, dozens of whom called for Trump’s removal from office. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians.
Schumer called Trump’s statements “unhinged” and criticized the war for failing to weaken Iran’s government or rein in its nuclear program, while global fuel prices have risen.
I see a military coup and a forced rewrite of the constitution to reimpose balance and a restructuring of the judicial branch, term limits imposed and a weakening of the executive branch to be ceremonial to prevent a dictator assuming control again. Trump should be the jolt the country needs. The constitution and political systems are fundamentally not fit for purpose.
Military dictatorships, famous for their commitment to balance, fairness, and term limits