Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., (left) and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images)
Michigan Republican Rep. Tom Barrett, seeking reelection in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts, is attempting to stake a new path on the Iran issue which would empower the president but forbid a lengthy engagement.
Barrett has introduced a bill which would authorize the use of military force against Iran. However, the bill also would cap hostilities at 90 days and limit the use of ground troops.
The bill would block the military from pursuing “sustained ground combat operations in Iran” and also from “engaging in nation-building, stabilization operations, or the establishment of long-term security governance within Iran.”
“Two things have been clear from the very beginning: Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the United States of America cannot be dragged into another endless war,” Barrett said of the bill, per The Detroit News.
Iran and the Midterms
Barrett, a freshman, is seeking reelection in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, which The Cook Political Report rates a “Toss Up” in 2026.
The price of gasoline has soared since the start of the Iran conflict amid Iranian disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, with the national average price per gallon of regular gasoline sitting at nearly $4.56 as of Thursday morning, per AAA.
Operation Epic Fury began in late February—more than 60 days ago. The War Powers Resolution is meant to restrict the executive branch from going beyond 60 days without receiving congressional authorization for the use of force against foreign adversaries.
However, the White House has argued Operation Epic Fury has ended, stopping the 60-day clock.
“The operation is over,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday of Epic Fury. “We’re done with that stage of it.”
