Congressman Ryan’s bill prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars for military action against Iran in the absence of an AUMF or official declaration of war; it is supported by 14 of his fellow Democratic Veterans, as well as the Ranking Members of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees
The introduction comes after 9 weeks of hostilities conducted without Congressional approval, costing billions of dollars and killing 13 brave U.S. servicemembers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Pat Ryan has introduced legislation that would prohibit additional federal funding for military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes it through a formal declaration of war or an Authorization for the Use of Military Force.
The proposal, titled the No Funds for Iran War Act, was introduced with support from 17 Democratic co-sponsors, including senior members of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees.
Ryan said the measure is intended to reassert Congress’ constitutional role in authorizing military action and to prevent further taxpayer funding for the ongoing conflict absent congressional approval.
According to Ryan’s office, the Trump administration’s military operations involving Iran have lasted approximately nine weeks and cost an estimated $25 billion. The administration has also reportedly requested an additional $200 billion in supplemental war funding beyond the Pentagon’s proposed $1.5 trillion fiscal year 2027 budget, though those figures have not been independently verified.
Ryan and other Democratic lawmakers backing the measure argue that Congress—not the president alone—must authorize sustained military action.
The bill faces uncertain prospects in the Republican-controlled House, where leadership has thus far supported the administration’s military posture.
Ryan, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, has previously backed War Powers resolutions seeking greater congressional oversight of military engagement involving Iran.
