Rep. Garamendi Statement on Voting YES on Iran War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting YES on the Iran War Powers Resolution:  

“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.”

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