Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley says Congress should decide whether U.S. gets involved in Israel-Iran conflict

WASHINGTON (KTVZ/CNN) -- Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley discussed the latest Middle East developments Thursday with CNN's Jake Tapper.

As President Trump considers possible U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, Merkley said when it comes to authorization for war involvement, "It's Congress that should make the decision. There's been no authorization for the use of military force by Congress, to say to the president, 'You can do this.'"

When Tapper noted that presidents have ignored that for decades, Merkley replied, "A few of us keep saying the constitutional framework matters, but you're absolutely right."

"It is very easy to get into a war and very complicated to get out, especially when it's not clear what the end goal is," the senator added.