By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/johnson-voices-opposition-to-congress-weighing-in-on-use-of-military-force-against-iran Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Johnson voices opposition to Congress weighing in on use of military force against Iran Politics Jun 23, 2025 3:32 PM EDT House Speaker Mike Johnson said he is opposed to debate and a vote on a use-of-force resolution. “I don’t think this is an appropriate time for a War Powers resolution. And I don’t think it’s necessary,” Johnson told reporters Monday. READ MORE: Iran retaliates for U.S. air strikes, launches missile attack on American military base in Qatar He said Democratic presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama exercised their authority as commander-in-chief in ordering operations in the Middle East. He said Democratic lawmakers didn’t object then. “Suddenly, now, they are just up in arms,” Johnson said. “It’s all politics. This is not a time for politics.” Johnson said Trump has used his constitutional authority “judiciously.” WATCH LIVE: Senate convenes for first time since U.S. launches air strikes against Iran Johnson said he had a classified briefing Monday morning about Iran. He spoke to reporters soon after Iran had launched a missile attack on a U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq. “This is the retaliation that was expected,” Johnson said. “So far, so good. No casualties so far as we know.” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said there would be a classified briefing for House members Tuesday afternoon. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he is opposed to debate and a vote on a use-of-force resolution. “I don’t think this is an appropriate time for a War Powers resolution. And I don’t think it’s necessary,” Johnson told reporters Monday. READ MORE: Iran retaliates for U.S. air strikes, launches missile attack on American military base in Qatar He said Democratic presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama exercised their authority as commander-in-chief in ordering operations in the Middle East. He said Democratic lawmakers didn’t object then. “Suddenly, now, they are just up in arms,” Johnson said. “It’s all politics. This is not a time for politics.” Johnson said Trump has used his constitutional authority “judiciously.” WATCH LIVE: Senate convenes for first time since U.S. launches air strikes against Iran Johnson said he had a classified briefing Monday morning about Iran. He spoke to reporters soon after Iran had launched a missile attack on a U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq. “This is the retaliation that was expected,” Johnson said. “So far, so good. No casualties so far as we know.” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said there would be a classified briefing for House members Tuesday afternoon. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now