June 21, 2025

Rep. Hoyle Issues Statement on President Trump’s Unilateral Decision to Strike Iran

Rep. Hoyle, a longtime defender of Congressional War Powers, calls this a blatant violation of the Constitution

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2025

EUGENE, OR – Today, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) released the following statement following President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to involve American forces in strikes on Iran.  

“The U.S. Constitution is clear, only Congress has the power to declare war,” said Rep. Hoyle. “For too long Presidents of both parties have violated Congress’s authority and launched strikes around the world. This isn’t just about Congress, it’s about giving the American people a say in whether or not to send American troops into another foreign war.  

“I will not defend the Iranian regime or understate the danger of a nuclear Iran. However, this is about a decision to drag American service members and the United States into another war in the Middle East. American lives are at stake and therefore Congress and the American people need to have a say in this decision.  

“No president, Democrat or Republican, has the authority to bypass Congress when it comes to matters of war.” 

Background 

Since coming to Congress in 2022, Rep. Hoyle has been an outspoken critic of presidential abuses of Congressional War Powers by both Democratic and Republican administrations. 

  • In 2023, Rep. Hoyle voted against the House’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in part due to concerns about War Powers authorities. She offered amendments to: 

    • Prohibit U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen unless authorized by Congress; 

    • End unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Syria; 

    • And to repeal the 1991, 2001, and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs), citing their misuse by presidents of both parties who use them to unilaterally engage in foreign wars.  

  • In 2023, Rep. Hoyle spoke out against President Biden’s use of unauthorized military strikes. 

  • In January 2024, Rep. Hoyle was among the first Democratic Congresspeople to speak out against President Biden’s unilateral decision to launch strikes in Yemen. 

  • In April 2025, Rep. Hoyle joined Rep. Jayapal (D-WA) and Rep. Khanna (D-CA) to lead 30 of her colleagues in calling out President Trumps unilateral decision to launch strikes in Yemen.  

  • In June 2025, Rep. Hoyle was one of 14 original cosponsors of Rep. Khanna’s (D-CA) and Rep. Massie’s (R-KY) bipartisan resolution to require President Trump to seek Congressional authorization before launching strikes on Iran.  

Congressional War Powers are clearly outlined by U.S. law: 

  • Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution states that Congress has the sole authority to authorize military involvement in overseas conflicts. 

  • Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 states that the President can only introduce U.S. forces into hostilities in one of three scenarios: 

    • 1. After a declaration of war by Congress; 

    • 2. After a specific statutory authorization from Congress;  

    • 3. Or in a national emergency created by an attack on the U.S. 

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