The Constitution is clear: the power to declare war belongs to Congress.

Following U.S. strikes on Iran ordered by President Trump that have already resulted in American casualties, lawmakers in Washington are preparing to vote on a bipartisan war powers resolution. The measure would require congressional approval before further military action continues.

This is about protecting the separation of powers our founders designed.

For decades, presidents of both parties have stretched executive authority to initiate military action without a formal declaration of war. That pattern has contributed to prolonged conflicts with unclear endpoints and heavy costs for American families.

Kentucky has a proud tradition of defending constitutional limits and individual liberty. Senator Rand Paul has consistently argued that no president should have unchecked authority to take the nation into war.

Now is the moment to reaffirm that principle.

Requiring a vote does not weaken national security. It strengthens it by ensuring debate, clarity of mission, and shared responsibility before American troops are placed in extended danger.

We call on Senator Rand Paul and all members of Kentucky’s congressional delegation to support the bipartisan war powers resolution and insist that no further military escalation occurs without congressional approval.

War is the most serious and consequential decision a nation can make. It must never rest in the hands of one person alone. 

Kentucky voters expect their elected leaders to defend the Constitution. Now is the time to do exactly that.