Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-N.Y., plans to end the war with Iran immediately upon Democrats taking control of the House in January, as he seeks the chairmanship of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His letter outlines a focus on war powers resolutions and public hearings on foreign policy issues, including Venezuela and war powers authority.
Meeks has already pushed war powers resolutions this year, with a Democratic-sponsored bill clearing both chambers. However, these resolutions are nonbinding concurrent resolutions under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. With a House majority, Democrats could bring binding joint resolutions to the floor. Meeks also promised hearings on the administration’s Venezuela policy and the constitutional authority over war powers and trade.
Beyond Iran, Meeks pledged legislation to restore Congress’s role in foreign policy and a State Department reauthorization bill that would limit the administration’s power. The GOP side of the committee is set to lose at least a dozen members next year, including long-time members like former Chairman Michael McCaul and Rep. Scott Perry. The GOP is expected to face significant turnover, with several committee members still in close races.