The White House has issued a warning to Iran against escalating violence amidst rising tensions. U.S. and Iranian forces have reportedly agreed to a temporary stand-down ahead of planned talks in Qatar. Retired Navy fighter pilot, Matthew ‘Whiz’ Buckley, highlights recent CENTCOM strikes.
War is a persistent concern, especially with the ongoing tensions with Iran. I find myself preoccupied with these matters even after my 22 years in the Army and global deployments. War has become an enduring backdrop of our lives since the ‘War to End All Wars’ of World War I, which led directly into World War II, reshaping global power dynamics.
George Orwell, in his book “1984,” noted that war, by becoming continuous, has ceased to be noticed. Normalizing war turns it into a constant management task rather than a curable ailment. Repealing the 2002 authorization for military force in Iraq was a significant vote during my first year in Congress. This marked Congress overturning such an authorization for the first time.
Earlier this year, I proposed a bipartisan plan to repeal other dormant authorizations and mandate reevaluation every five years. My proposal aims to strengthen Congress’s ability to define military missions clearly once the president opts for military action against urgent threats.
The Constitution delegates war declaration power to Congress. In 1973, the War Powers Act allowed the president some authority for up to 60 days without Congress’s consent. I felt the need to enforce this timeline post-expiration in the Iran conflict because war decisions involve life and death stakes.
Iran should never acquire nuclear capabilities, but any commitment of American lives and resources to conflict requires Congressional involvement. Committing to war cannot be a cavalier decision. Nevertheless, I have encountered a mindset where some Americans view warfare through a technological lens, distancing themselves from its grim realities.
An entire generation of veterans from the Global War on Terror view conflict differently. They’ve lost comrades in battles worldwide, often questioning the worth of such endeavors. On a personal note, Staff Sergeant Duane Dreasky, my friend and deployment roommate, gave his life in Iraq. His memory, along with others, influences my decisions in Congress.
Reflecting on war’s toll on individuals and families, I resist perpetuating indefinite conflicts and unclear objectives for future generations of military personnel. Clear, concise mission definitions ensure decisive and effective operations.
Congress must initiate discussions on military force use to prevent past mistakes. Setting clear objectives minimizes mission creep and the potential for endless engagements.
Tom Barrett represents Michigan’s 7th District in the U.S. House. His 22 years in the Army included deployments in Iraq, Kuwait, Guantanamo Bay, and Korea.