In a surprising move, Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert have shown support for President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran, despite their longstanding belief that only Congress should have the authority to declare war. These Arizona Republicans, both vying for the governor’s seat in the upcoming primary, have chosen to back the President, with Trump already endorsing Biggs.
Following a close House vote of 219-212 against a resolution that would have mandated Trump to cease hostilities with Iran, Schweikert described his decision as “the right vote,” although he refrained from explaining how it aligns with his previous stance on presidential war powers. His website clearly states that “The power to declare war rests exclusively with Congress, not the Executive branch,” which raises questions about his current support.
Meanwhile, Biggs justified his backing by asserting that Trump’s actions were within his rights as Commander in Chief, stating, “President Trump’s targeted actions to neutralize threats from the Iranian regime fall squarely within his Article II authority.” He emphasized that the situation did not constitute a war, thus not requiring congressional approval.
The House’s decision came shortly after the Senate’s rejection of a similar resolution, with Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego siding with the minority. Within the House, the vote saw a stark division along party lines, with minimal crossover.
Phoenix Rep. Yassamin Ansari, notable as the first Iranian-American Democrat in Congress, voiced her concerns post-vote, asserting the need to hold Iran accountable while reiterating that “the power to declare war rests with Congress,” highlighting the potential implications for both nations involved.
Biggs further rationalized his stance by distinguishing the recent military operations from past conflicts, noting their limited scope and strategic nature. However, his history of criticizing presidential overreach, such as his response to President Joe Biden’s airstrikes in Yemen, presents a seeming contradiction in his position.
Previously, Biggs co-founded a bipartisan War Powers Caucus alongside Rep. Ro Khanna to emphasize Congress’s role in war-related decisions, and in past instances, he has been vocal about limiting executive military actions without legislative consent.
Despite these past criticisms, Biggs now appears satisfied with the mission objectives described by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which focus on safeguarding American lives and preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Biggs underscores his commitment to constitutional principles while supporting presidential actions that he deems lawful and protective of national security.
