Democrats MUST insist on a vote on an Authorization of Military Force (an AUMF) for Trump’s war in Iran. My friend @TimKaine is leading the charge on a War Powers Resolution (WPR) that I support. But it's not a substitute for an AUMF. 1/ A 🧵on the difference. It's important.

2/ What’s the difference? A WPR is a vote AGAINST war. I’m a co-sponsor of the WPR. But even if Congress passes it, Trump won’t sign it. It's basically symbolic.

3/ An AUMF is a vote FOR war. Trump doesn’t want to come to Congress with legislation authorizing his war because he’d need 60 votes in the Senate (which he likely wouldn't get), and it would force tough questions around the cost, timelines, and specific goals of the war.

4/ And here’s the other thing: if the WPR fails (and it likely will because 50 votes defeat it, and nearly all Rs will vote against), Trump will say he has Congress’s support. This gives Trump political cover and sets a dangerous precedent going forward.

5/ That’s why Democrats should insist on an AUMF vote and a full debate on the President’s decision to plunge the U.S. back into war in the Middle East—and block other legislation until we do.

6/ If a War Powers Resolution becomes the way we debate war, then the burden is forever shifted. Instead of the president seeking approval before starting war, the opponents need to muster the votes to stop it. That's not how our founders designed it.