On Thursday, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) and John Grafmendi (CA-08) issued statements after the House of Representatives’ vote on a War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran (H.Con.Res. 38).
In the end, the House of Representatives blocks war powers resolution 212-219.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10)
“I was proud to vote “yes” on the War Powers Resolution to put a stop to President Trump’s illegal war on Iran for which he has offered no coherent strategy, goals, or endgame and which the American people overwhelmingly oppose. My vote was a reflection of the will of the American people who object to yet another forever war in the Middle East in pursuit of regime change, which in this instance has already led to the deaths of half a dozen American servicemembers and over 1,000 civilians as well as regional instability and the likelihood of an even more extreme and dangerous regime taking power.
We cannot continue to let the President act with impunity. Every time Republican leaders in Congress turn a blind eye and cede Congress’s authority, the President is emboldened and empowered to overstep his constitutional power. Today’s vote shows a continued disappointing and irresponsible failure of Republican leadership to follow the Constitution and put a stop to this reckless and corrupt president who only continues to descend into madness.”
Rep. John Garamendi (CA-8)
“Today, I’m proud to announce that I voted YES in favor of the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution, which reasserts Congress’s sole constitutional power to declare war and directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran. It is shameful that Republicans in Congress have once again deferred and weakened this power by continuing to allow President Trump to engage in an illegal war with Iran. Last week, Trump, in direct violation of the United States Constitution, attacked Iran and has since continued to engage in a military conflict that has already taken the lives of six servicemembers.
“I am glad that the current Ayatollah has been eliminated because his decades-long regime has violated human rights, created chaos in the Middle East, and enabled terrorism worldwide.
“However, Trump’s decision to launch yet another attack without clearly articulating the legal justification, strategic objectives, and anticipated consequences to Congress and the American people runs counter to the constitutional framework established by our Founders. Congress, as representatives of the American people, should be responsible for deciding when we go to war, not a rogue President.
“It is clear that the Trump Administration has no plan to sustain the current conflict, no plan to transition the current Iranian government toward democracy, and no plan to de-escalate or contain the conflict from spreading throughout the region. Trump has pulled the United States into a Middle East war and put thousands of servicemembers at risk.
“This is a dangerous moment, and it is time for Congress to act. I applaud Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) for their leadership in bringing forth this resolution. I wish more of my Republican colleagues felt the obligation to reassert Congress’s constitutional role. It’s a shame that too many feel comfortable letting Trump violate the Constitution.
“Despite my disagreements with this war, my thoughts remain with the six brave servicemembers who lost their lives and for all of the servicemembers currently serving our country and their families. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I remain fully committed to ensuring that those in harm’s way receive our unwavering support.”
Other Bay Area Lawmakers issuing statements:
Rep. Mike Thompson:
“The president’s unauthorized war in Iran has already cost six American lives and over $5 billion in taxpayer dollars, and there is no clear end in sight. I voted against this war today.
I am a combat veteran, and like any combat veteran will tell you: war is hell. We need transparency from this administration on their plans in Iran, and they have failed to provide a clear justification for the war, a plan for the war, or an exit strategy to end the war.
I was one of the few members of Congress who voted against the war in Iraq because of my own experience. Many of the people I served with never came home. And right now, we are barreling towards repeating the same mistakes that unnecessarily cost us so many lives and dollars.
Let me be clear: Iran’s regime is terrible, and we must always defend our nation against threats. But this administration needs the authorization of Congress before sending American troops into harms way.
Will add more when they are made available.
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