(insert date of meeting)
City Council
DATE: July 1, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Councilmember Doria Robinson (co-sponsor)
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (co-sponsor)
Subject:
Resolution Urging Congress to Assert its Constitutional Authority and Prevent Future Unauthorized Military
Action Against Iran
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact on receiving this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
On June 21, 2025, the United States launched a military strike on nuclear-related sites in Iran without
authorization from Congress and in defiance of
international appeals for restraint. Although a ceasefire is currently in effect, the event has raised widespread
concern over the erosion of democratic checks and
balances and the risk of renewed escalation.
Under the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the
power to declare war. The War Powers Resolution of
1973 was enacted to limit the president’s ability to
engage in military conflict without Congressional
oversight, yet this authority is increasingly circumvented in practice.
AGENDA
REPORT
(insert date of meeting)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution urging the United States Congress
to assert its constitutional authority by passing a War Powers Resolution that reaffirms its exclusive right to declare war, and to prevent any future unauthorized
military action against Iran or any other country; as the resolution also calls for a commitment to diplomacy and expresses solidarity with civilians impacted by conflict in the region, and DIRECT the City Clerk to send copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, U.S.
Senators representing California, and all members of the U.S. House of Representatives representing districts in Contra Costa County - Councilmember Soheila Bana
(510-672-3490)/Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-
620-6568)/Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-
6565).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond has a long history of speaking out in support of peace and justice.
This resolution continues that tradition by:
Condemning the unauthorized and unprovoked use of military force; Emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight over acts of war; Calling on Congress to reaffirm its constitutional role; Advocating for diplomacy over violence;
Reaffirming respect for international law, national sovereignty, and the principle of non-aggression;
Expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine, Iran, and Israel.
Sending this resolution to our elected federal representatives serves as a local call for accountability and constitutional governance in foreign policy decisions.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution