Omar Criticizes GOP and Pushes War Powers Resolution in Live Stream

Lead: Representative Ilhan Omar condemned Republican rhetoric targeting the left and unveiled her War Powers Resolution in a live Zeteo broadcast on Thursday, September 11, 2025, pressing Congress to rein in executive military actions.

Nut Graf: In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting, Omar accused GOP figures of “nonsense” attacks on progressive voices and argued that only Congress-not the president-may authorize force. Her proposal aims to force a floor vote within 60 days on any future military strikes.

GOP “Nonsense” Attacks on the Left

  • Targeted Criticism: Omar slammed comments by Republican Representative Nancy Mace and others for stoking hostility toward Democratic lawmakers.
  • Political Violence Concerns: She warned that inflammatory rhetoric fuels real-world violence, citing Kirk’s death as an example of “distressingly weaponized” discourse.

War Powers Resolution Details

  • Live Stream Announcement: Joining commentator Mehdi Hasan on Zeteo’s September 11 livestream, Omar introduced legislation requiring the administration to seek congressional approval for military operations within 60 days.
  • International Law Argument: She emphasized that unilateral strikes, including recent actions off Venezuela’s coast, lack legal basis without a formal declaration of war.

Broader Context and Reactions

  • Congressional Oversight: Omar pointed to the rescission of the Iraq AUMF as precedent for reclaiming legislative war powers.
  • Cross-House Support: Progressive and moderate Democrats rallied behind her call to reassert Congress’s constitutional role.
  • Public Response: Social media users praised the resolution as a check on executive overreach, while conservative outlets dismissed it as partisan.

By front-loading her critique of Republican attacks and unveiling a concrete legislative tool, Omar positioned herself at the forefront of debates over political discourse and constitutional war powers on September 11, 2025.