"McCaul readies military authorization against Hamas and Iran proxies as US takes key step towards potential military force"

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul is drafting legislation to authorize the use of U.S. military force in the event of a wider proxy war between Israel and Iran. McCaul's draft Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) comes amid concerns over recent threats from Iran and the potential involvement of Iran-backed Hezbollah. The situation in the Middle East has escalated, with Israel launching airstrikes on Gaza in response to a coordinated attack by Hamas. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered 2,000 U.S. troops to prepare for deployment in support of Israel, and President Biden is heading to the region for discussions with leaders. While the White House has stated that an AUMF is not currently part of the conversation, McCaul claims to have been in contact with them regarding the matter.