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Kaptur Votes to Pass War Powers Resolution

January 9, 2020

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), voted in favor of a War Powers Resolution to limit President Trump's military actions regarding Iran. This resolution reiterates that only Congress can declare war and affirms that Congress has not authorized the use of military force against Iran. Hence, it states that any further military action in Iran requires Congress' action. Rep. Kaptur delivered the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of the resolution prior to the bill's final passage:

Madam Speaker,

I rise in support of the War Powers Resolution as an original cosponsor.

This is a grave and pivotal moment in American history. We must be greatly concerned for the security of our troops and the safety of the American people.

We live in an era of hybrid warfare and high-intensity reaction. One reckless military strike can incentivize countermeasures, not just in the immediate region, but thousands of miles away by Iran's proxies. Wise use of force matters.

Without Congressional authorization, and in defiance of our Constitution, this President ordered an unprecedented strike on Iran's top general.

There is no doubt that Soleimani was a fierce enemy of liberty. However, this attack by the President risks all-out war, greater instability in Iraq and Iran, losing the edge we have gained at such great cost – and some of those names have been put on the record today. We must protect against further attacks on our servicemembers and attacks on U.S. assets wherever they might exist.

To those ends, the American people deserve full transparency. The President must take steps to deescalate this highly volatile situation in a most ungovernable part of the world.

Let us rigorously pursue with our allies turning back Iran's development of nuclear weapons and let us do all we can to uphold our beloved Constitution, put raging bulls back in their cages, and make the American people safer.

Thank you, I yield back.

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kaptur.house.gov