President Donald Trump's announcement of a troop surge to Iraq to head off what he calls threats from Iran has made for unlikely partners in the Arizona Congress.
Heading into the Memorial Day weekend, Arizona Republican David Schweikert pointed out that military force is currently limited to use only against al-Qaida.
"Those sorts of things should at least have some consultation with those of us here in Congress," Schweikert said.
His words nearly echoed U.S. Democratic Rep. Tom O'Halleran's concerns that the White House is ignoring congressional safeguards.
"If we're going to make sure that our readiness level is up, that's one thing," O'Halleran told Capitol reporters, "but, going to war, he needs to come back to Congress."
Longtime congressional member Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick it would take an authorization by Congress to use military force if the administration is serious about taking on Iran.
“We haven’t done one since 9/11. So, the old authorization, I think, needs to be revised," she said, "and, this president seems to have no regard for the legislative branch.”
Other Arizona congressional members are concerned escalation will provoke an unnecessary war.
Several other Arizona U.S. representatives said they are worried the White House is fanning the flames for political gain.