Underwood, House Democrats Force Vote to End Trump’s Costly and Deadly Iran War

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Rep. Lauren Underwood and House Democrats forced a vote on the Floor to end President Trump’s reckless and costly war in Iran. For more than 90 days, President Trump and his administration have waged war without a clear strategy, defined objectives, or congressional authorization, dragging America further and further into Trump’s self-declared war of choice.

“Today Democrats took control of the House and passed legislation to end Trump’s war in Iran and rein in this reckless president,” said Rep. Underwood. “President Trump promised lower costs and an end to foreign wars, but that was a lie. While American families struggle with soaring costs, the Trump Administration has spent tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on a war that has fueled higher gas prices, increased economic uncertainty, and put American servicemembers in harm's way.”

“Families in our community want lower costs, affordable health care, and a government that works for them – not more endless wars in the Middle East. President Trump may not think about the American people when he’s waging wars, but House Democrats are focused on lowering costs and making Americans safer and healthier while holding this out-of-control administration accountable.”

President Trump’s open-ended, undefined military engagement is precisely what the War Powers Resolution was designed to restrain. Democrats’ War Powers Resolution directs the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran without a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force (AUMF), except for those elements necessary to defend the U.S. or an ally from imminent attack. Today’s vote reaffirms the Constitutional principle that only Congress can declare war.

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